Service Information: Handling mat batteries (VRLA)

P54.10-0270-08

Warning instructions for lead-acid batteries

1 No fire, sparks, open flames or smoking

2 Risk of explosion

6 Keep away from children

7 First-aid

3 Observe operating instructions

4 Risk of caustic burns

5 Wear eye protection

 Handling mat batteries when performing service work inside and outside of vehicle:

 Possible risks:

Risk of explosion

Highly explosive oxyhydrogen gas can also be present with mat batteries.This gas is especially produced when the battery is overcharged.

No fire, sparks, open flames or smoking.

Risk of injury

Battery acid contains sulfuric acid which can cause severe caustic burns to skin and eyes. Strict caution is required when handling damaged lead-acid batteries (removing from vehicle damaged in accident) because of the sharp edges on the fractured housing and direct contact with the lead plates.

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Risk of poisoning

If battery acid is swallowed, this can result in manifestations of poisoning such as headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness, vomiting and cramps. Battery acid mist causes caustic burns to the eyes.

If swallowed, this can result in caustic burns to the mucous membranes and respiratory passages.

The absorption of lead in the body can cause damage to blood, nerves and kidneys; in addition, lead compounds are considered to represent a reproductive hazard.

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First aid measures

In the event of eye contact, rinse out immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water.

- In the event of skin contact, neutralize acid splash on skin or clothes immediately with acid neutralizer (soda) or soap suds and rinse with plenty of water.

- If acid mist has been inhaled, move affected person
to fresh air.

- If battery acid is swallowed, give affected person plenty of water with an active charcoal additive.

As a general rule, the person affected should consult a medical service or doctor after first-aid has been rendered.

Fire protection measures

Suitable extinguishing agents

- CO2 and dry extinguishing agent

Safety precautions/instructions.

1 General

- Wear suitable protective clothing against acid including gloves and work shoes and always wear protective glasses that have side protection or even better a full face shield.

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- Always make sure that you let any static electricity be conducted out of your body before handling the battery by touching the negative terminal (even with protective
gloves on).

- Wet battery with a water bottle

 After finishing work, wipe up any water with
a paper towel.

Do not use a cloth that can be statically charged (e.g. cotton)!

- The above mentioned measures are also to be implemented when working within 10 meters of a removed battery.
They are also valid when transporting batteries.

- Avoid banging or shaking the battery.

- When transporting the battery on a workshop trolley, make sure that the trolley itself does not have a static charge.

 Ground trolley, e.g. by using a rubber or copper band.

- Do not place any tools or other conductive objects on top of battery (risk of short circuiting the battery).

- To prevent unintentional sparking, turn off all switchable current consumers and the engine before removing and installing lead-acid batteries.

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- When disconnecting, disconnect negative terminal first. When connecting, connect positive terminal first.

- Avoid polarity reversal and short-circuits.

- Keep lead-acid batteries and battery acid away from unauthorized persons.

- Observe the operation manual of the respective mat battery and the operator's manual of the vehicle.

2. Charging mat batteries

- Only charge mat batteries in a well ventilated room.

- Disconnect and remove mat battery from vehicle.

- Turn on charging unit after connecting it to battery. Turn off charging unit before disconnecting it from battery.

- Only charge mat batteries with DC current. The charging current should equal 10% of the battery's capacity.

- Ensure that the degassing line and the plug position across form the it are properly fitted.

- Ensure the degassing line does not have any kinks and is not blocked at any point.

3. Storing mat batteries

- Do not store mat batteries for longer periods of time
in direct sunlight.

- Always store mat batteries horizontally to prevent acid leaking out and do not tilt during transportation.

- Dead or defective mat batteries may freeze, therefore store away from frost.

- Whenever possible, mat batteries should be stored in a clean and dry place.

- Mat batteries should not be stored for longer periods of time without recharging.

- The negative terminal should be disconnected if the mat battery remains in a parked or unused vehicle for a longer period of time.