What to do when servicing the lead acid battery
The lead acid battery uses a combination of lead plates or grids and an electrolyte consisting of a diluted sulphuric acid to convert electrical energy into potential chemical energy and back again. And the lead acid battery contains lead, lead compounds and sulfuric acid, which are hazardous waste. And they are still hazardous wastes even when drained of acid because they still contain lead. Lead compounds can be absorbed through ingestion and inhalation. Moreover, lead is an acutely and chronically toxic compound, and is also highly toxic to fish, other animals and plants. Acid is corrosive which may hurt you and damage your skin if it touches you. So when serving the lead acid battery, we need to do something to protect ourselves.
- Keep metal tools and jewelry away from the lead acid battery.
- Inspect for defective cables, loose connections, corroded cable connectors or battery terminals, cracked cases or covers, loose hold-down clamps and deformed or loosed terminal posts.
- Replace worn or unserviceable parts.
- Check the state of charge of non-sealed and sealed batteries with an accurate digital voltmeter while the engine is not running, and lights and other electrically-powered equipment are turned off. Also check the electrolyte levels and specific gravity in each cell of non-sealed batteries.
- When checking the electrolyte liquid levels of the batteries use a rated flashlight that is intrinsically safe. In the event one is not available, Use a plastic/non metallic flashlight, turn on the flash light prior to getting near the battery when checking cell levels and turn off the flash light when you are away from the batteries.
- Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations about when to recharge or replace batteries.
- Tighten cable clamp nuts with the proper size wrench. Avoid subjecting battery terminals to excessive twisting forces.
- Use a cable puller to remove a cable clamp from the battery terminal.
- Remove corrosion on the terminal posts, hold-down tray and hold-down parts.
- Use a tapered brush to clean battery terminals and the cable clamps.
- Wash and clean the battery, battery terminals, and case or tray with water. The corrosive acid can be neutralized by brushing on some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) solution. If the solution does not bubble, the acid is probably neutralized. Rinse the battery with water to remove the baking soda solution.
- To prevent shocks, never touch or come in contact with both terminals at the same time. If baking soda solution is applied with a cloth, remember that these solutions can conduct electricity.
- When battery cables are removed, ensure that they are clearly marked “positive” and “negative” so that they are reconnected with the correct polarity.
- Use a battery carrier to lift a battery, or place hands at opposite corners. Remember, batteries can weight 30 to 60 pounds, so practice safe lifting and carrying procedures to prevent back injuries.
- Use a self-leveling filler that automatically fills the battery to a predetermined level. Never fill battery cells about the level indicator.
- Do not squeeze the syringe so hard that the water splashes acid from the cell opening.
Follow these tips to help you service your lead acid battery better, and use these to ensure your safety and other’s.
Source: www.leoch.com
Processing your request, Please wait....
