Hazardous Materials

Lead-Acid Battery Charging

UNB Reference Number: 7812
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
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To outline procedures for battery charging.

All University personnel using lead-acid batteries. This policy does not apply to nickel cadmium batteries, etc.

Lead-acid battery charging is to be carried out only by authorized persons and in areas which have been designed and approved for this purpose by the Physical Plant Department.
The use of sealed gel type batteries is recommended wherever possible.
When diluting concentrated sulphuric acid, the acid shall be added to distilled water, never the water to the acid.
Persons involved in battery charging, or service, must wear a face shield and such protective clothing as is necessary to prevent injury from acid splash.
Chargers may only be located in well-ventilated areas away from sources of ignition. They are not to be operated in any area in which flammables are stored or used.
Smoking is prohibited in any area in which a battery charger is in use, and a sign to that effect shall be posted.
The charging rate of storage batteries shall be held at a rate which will prevent rapid generation of hydrogen.
The floors of battery storage rooms shall be washed after batteries have been charged and disconnected.
A supply of fresh water for emergency use shall be available where batteries are being handled.