Lead Acid Batteries

Lead Acid Batteries

Typically LeadAntimony. Made up of plates, lead, lead oxide with 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water solution. The solution is called electrolyte, which causes a chemical reaction that produces electrons.

Cell Element
Sepa ra tor Posit ive Pl at e Group N eg a ti ve Pl at e Group

Some Battery Terminologies

Capacity
the battery.
is a measure (typically in Amp-hr) of the charge stored by

State of charge (SOC) -- is the equivalent of a fuel gauge. The

available ampere hours in a battery at any given time relative to its full charge capacity (0% -empty , 100% -full).

Open Circuit Voltage- The voltage of a battery when it is not

delivering or receiving power, and has been at rest long enough to reach steady state (normally 4 hours).

State of Charge Measurement

Chemical method
This method works only with batteries that offer access to their liquid electrolyte, such as nonsealed lead acid batteries. The specific gravity of the electrolyte can be used to indicate the SOC of the battery

Voltage method Measuring the Open Circuit Voltage.

Hazards Associated With Industrial Batteries

Hydrogen Gas Sulfuric Acid

Shock
Weight of the Battery

Hydrogen Gas
A by-product of the batterys charging process. Lighter than air. Flammable in nature. Can not taste or see the gas vapors. You can smell the acid in the battery if it heats up.

Acid Hazards
Ph <2 (Typically Sulfuric Acid)

Corrosive material
Burns to skin

Burns to eyes
Never open the battery caps with your face directly over the battery.
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Electrical Hazard
Exposed terminals, even on disconnected batteries, present an electrical shock hazard. Some battery systems are capable of discharging at extremely high rates of current. Accidental shorting of terminals or cables can result in severe electrical arcing, causing burns and electric shock to nearby personnel

Electrical Safety Precautions

Never touch both battery terminals with your bare hands at the same time! Remove rings, watches and dangling jewelry when working with or near batteries. The metal in the jewelry can cause a shock or burn if they contact the battery terminals. Only use insulated/non-conducting tools to remove cell caps. Never lay tools or other metal parts on top of a battery.
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Electrical Safety Precautions

Consider covering battery terminals and connectors if possible with an insulating blanket before overhead inspections or repairs Ensure charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting a battery to prevent arcing

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Electrical Hazard
A Worker lost control of a jumper wire while working above battery bank Ends of jumper were not insulated and blanket was not installed over battery terminals Event resulted in severe arcing and potential for injury to worker

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Fire and Explosion Precautions

Do not smoke in battery charging areas.

Prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging areas.

Do not strike the sides of the battery with any spark producing item. Keep tools and other metallic objects away from uncovered batteries.

Have an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in charging areas or readily available.

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Fire and Explosion Precautions

Neutralize static buildup just before working on battery by contacting nearest grounded surface Ensure battery area ventilation is operating prior to working on

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Changing Batteries
Industrial batteries used to power mobile equipment can weight upwards of 1,500 lbs.
Ensure the battery is securely locked in place prior to pulling away from the battery changing area. Do not attempt to stop a battery if it slides out of the equipment.

Work on Batteries requires Non-Sparking and Insulated tools.

Batteries should never be lifted by the post.
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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Requirements for Electrolyte Handling

PPE Requirements: Safety Glasses/goggles Rubber Gloves Face Shield Chemical Apron Boots

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Safety Eye Wash & Shower Requirements

An eyewash facility should be capable of flushing both eyes simultaneously for fifteen minutes and a water hose or safety shower that, if portable, is capable of drenching the body. Eyewash and drenching facilities are to be located as close to the point of exposure as possible of battery handling areas (not to exceed 25 ft.)
If Acid comes in contact with eyes, flush for 15 minutes and report to medical immediately. If acid comes in contact with skin or clothing, rinse off for several minutes and try not to spread the electrolyte. Report to medical after rinsing.

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