Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Industrial Battery

Remove the person from exposure to fresh air. If the person continues to feel unwell seek advice from a medical doctor. If a large quantity is inhaled take the person to hospital. If irritation persists, seek advice from a medical doctor.

Wash off with plenty of water and soap. Drench with large quantities of water. Remove contaminated clothing and place in water to dilute the acid. Continue to wash the affected area for at least 10 minutes. Areas affected by molten material should be quickly placed under cold running water and a sterile protective dressing applied. After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of soap and water.

Immediately irrigate with eyewash solution or clean water for at least 10 minutes, holding the eyelids apart. Then take the person to hospital without further delay. SPEED IS ESSENTIAL - OBTAIN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Symptoms: May cause irritation or injury due to mechanical action and traces of Battery Electrolyte.

Wash out mouth with water and give plenty of water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. If the person continues to feel unwell seek advice from a medical doctor.

CO₂; Dry Powder are recommended for electrical fires

Water extinguishers must never be used to put out an electrical fire.

VRLA Batteries emit hydrogen gas which is highly flammable and will form explosive mixtures in air from approx. 4% to 76%. This can be ignited by a spark at any voltage, naked flames or other sources of ignition. Damaged batteries may expose negative plates, grey in colour, which may ignite if allowed to dry out.

Batteries in use will be part of an electrical circuit and must be isolated from the power source before attempting to put out a fire. Switch the power OFF before disconnecting the batteries from the power source. These plates may be wetted down with water after the battery has been removed from all electrical circuits.

In case of accidental damage heavy-duty gloves are required to pick-up the battery to protect against unseen electrolyte leakage. For Plate Grids/Active Materials: Large, solid pieces may be picked up and bagged for recycling. Never use a brush to sweep up debris. Wet clean the spill area. For Electrolyte: Neutralise and absorb the spillage using soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate powder. Wet clean the spill area. For large electrolyte spills: Bund the spillage area using dry sand, earth, sawdust or other inert material. Neutralise the electrolyte using soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate powder. Wet clean the spill area.

Neutralise and absorb the spillage using soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate powder. Wet clean the spill area to remove all traces of debris. Battery debris and cleaning materials must be collected and placed in an inert sealed container.

Bund the spillage area using dry sand, earth, sawdust or other inert material. Neutralise the electrolyte using soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate powder. Wet clean the spill area to remove all traces of debris and electrolyte. Cleaning materials must be collected and placed in an inert sealed container.

Do not allow material to enter a watercourse. Battery electrolyte must not be allowed to enter any drains or sewage system or water course.

Large, solid pieces may be picked up and bagged for recycling. Never use a brush to sweep up debris. Wet clean the spill area. Neutralise and absorb the spillage using soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate powder.

Materials: Soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate powder, inert sealed container (e.g. self-seal plastic bag or bucket).

Only trained operators should be allowed to handle VRLA batteries. PPE: No specialist protective clothing or equipment is required, except that for handling heavy weights. Mechanical lifting aides (e.g. FLT and pallet trucks) will be required to move pallets of batteries. Weight approximately 1 tonne. Mechanical handling aides (e.g. trucks and lifters) will be required to handle individual batteries over 25 kg in weight. Do not drop batteries: dents and deformation of the case may be an indication of internal damage to the battery. Cracks will allow electrolyte to escape. Do not place VRLA Batteries lid-to-lid so that terminals will short-circuit.

Store VRLA Batteries in a cool, well-ventilated area with a solid, impervious surface, and adequate containment in the event of accidental acid spillage. Store under a roof and protect against direct sunlight and adverse weather conditions including rain, snow and other sources of water. Pallets of VRLA Batteries are heavy. Store at ground level or in lower levels of storage systems (e.g. racking). Take special care in dry conditions to avoid the risk of electrostatic discharges. Protect against physical damage and exposure to organic solvents and other incompatible materials. Do not store VRLA batteries close to sources of heat, naked flames and sparks. Store batteries in their original packaging wherever possible.

There are no specialist requirements beyond good, standard workplace practices.

Do not store VRLA batteries close to sources of heat, naked flames and sparks.

Never install VLRA Batteries in a gas-tight enclosure during storage, transport or usage.

Where there are signs of damage or liquid (electrolyte) or solid deposits, rubber gloves must be worn when handling the batteries and affected packaging to protect against the effects of any electrolyte that may be present.

If it is suspected that free electrolyte is present, then safety glasses must be worn, and if large amounts are present, chemical goggles or face shield should be used.

Where there are signs of damage or liquid (electrolyte) or solid deposits, acid resistant clothing must be worn when handling the batteries and affected packaging to protect against the effects of any electrolyte that may be present.

Within the operational temperature range -20 to +50 °C the undamaged product is stable. Separator material is stable.

Powdered Lead reacts violently with fused ammonium nitrate and sodium acetylide. Reacts violently when in contact with chlorine trifluoride. Electrolyte is highly reactive with metals and organic materials. Vigorous reaction with sodium hydroxide and alkalis.

Dilution of the higher concentrated grades with water may liberate excessive heat. On contact with metals, may generate hydrogen which forms explosive mixtures with air. Destroys organic materials such as cardboard, wood, textiles, etc. No hazardous polymerisation expected for separator material.

Powdered Lead: fused ammonium nitrate, sodium acetylide, chlorine trifluoride. Case Material: To avoid thermal decomposition, do not overheat. Starts to decompose at temperatures >275°C. Separator Material: Incompatible with Hydrofluoric acid and concentrated Sodium Hydroxide.

Fused ammonium nitrate, sodium acetylide, chlorine trifluoride, metals, organic materials, sodium hydroxide, alkalis, Hydrofluoric acid, concentrated Sodium Hydroxide.

Sulphur oxides, Powerful oxidising agents, Monomers, other degradation products, traces of hydrogen cyanide.