SECTION 4 – PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Stability Stable Conditions
to Avoid Avoid overcharging. Do not allow smoking, sparks, or open flame near batteries while charging.
Incompatibility
(Materials to Avoid) Keep battery case away from strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products An explosive hydrogen/oxygen mixture within the battery may occur during charging.
Hazardous Polymerization Will Not Occur Do not overcharge.
SECTION 5 – HEALTH HAZARDS
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Permissible exposure limit (PEL) Sulfuric Acid TLV 1.0 mg/m
3
(milligram per cu. meter)
Lead TLV 0.15 mg/m
3
PEL 0.05 mg/m
3
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
1. Acute Signs of exposure include prickling or burning sensation to skin, eyes or mucus membranes. Battery electrolyte can cause
Exposure irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Short term liquid or vapor contact may result in irritation and acid burns to the exposed area.
Ingestion of electrolyte may cause severe injury.
2. Chronic Repeated contact with battery electrolyte (sulfuric acid) may cause drying of the skin which may result in irritation and dermatitis.
Overexposure Prolonged inhalation of a mist of sulfuric acid can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Ingestion of lead can result in
symptoms of lead toxicity including anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, cramping, and affects to neurological system.
Medical Conditions Generally Exposures to acid mist may irritate pre-existing respiratory diseases. Acid exposure may aggravate skin
Aggravated by Exposure
diseases. Chronic exposure to lead and its compounds may aggravate some forms of kidney, liver and
neurological diseases.
Routes of Entry Electrolyte: ingestion, inhalation Lead: Ingestion; lead and compounds not absorbed through skin
Chemical Listed as carcinogen No Info. National Toxicology Yes I.A.R.C. Yes OSHA Yes EPA Yes
or Potential Carcinogen Found Program No Monographs No No CAG No
Human Health Effects The international Agency for Research on cancer (IARC) has classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as
a Category 1 carcinogen, a substance that is carcinogenic to humans. This classification does not apply to liquid forms of
sulfuric acid or sulfuric acid solutions contained within the battery. Inorganic acid mist (sulfuric acid mist) is not generated
under normal use of this product. Misuse of the product, such as overcharging, may however result in the generation of
sulfuric acid mist.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures
Sulfuric Acid (Battery Electrolyte)
1. Inhalation Move to Ventilated Area. Obtain medical attention.
2. Eyes Wash the eyes with copious quantities of running water for 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention.
3. Skin Flush area with large amounts of running water. Remove contaminated clothing and obtain medical attention.
4. Ingestion Wash out mouth with running water. Do not induce vomiting. Call Physician.
SECTION 6 – SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection
(Special Type) Sulfuric Acid Mist – Full face or half mask respirator with acid mist filter or SCBA.
Ventilation Change air every 15 min. Local Exhaust No Mechanical (General) No Information Found
Protective Gloves Acid resistant rubber or plastic Eye Protection: Splash resistant goggles or safety glasses with face shield
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment Acid resistant rubber or plastic apron, boots and protective clothing.
SECTION 7 – SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AND SPILL / LEAK PROCEDURES
Precautions to Be Taken Store batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Do not short circuit battery terminals or remove vent caps during storage or
charging. Avoid rough handling which could result in spills or leaks. Do not smoke or use open flames in charging areas.
Wash thoroughly after handling product.
Other Avoid prolonged overcharging or combustion which could liberate hazardous gases and liquids including hydrogen, sulfuric
Precautions
acid, sulfuric acid mist, sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, arsine, or stibine gas. Materials should be kept on site for spill
neutralization and containment.
Steps to Be Taken in Case Wear protective clothing. Ventilate enclosed areas. Dike to contain contaminated materials and liquids.
Material Is Released or
Limit site access to qualified emergency responders. Neutralize acid spills with sodium bicarbonate (soda ash), calcium
Spilled carbonate, agricultural lime or equivalent commercial product. Collect all material for proper disposal.
Waste Disposal Return whole scrap batteries to distributor, manufacturer, or lead smelter for recycling. For neutralized spills, place residue
Methods into plastic containers with sorbent material, sand, or earth for disposal. Contact local and/or state environmental officials for
proper disposal requirements.
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