Sealed Maintenance Free Lead Acid Battery

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Emergency Overview In its manufactured and supplied state, this product is non-hazardous. Under normal conditions, exposure to the constituents is not expected. Casing should never be compromised or damaged. The safety instructions below refer mainly to the unexpected situation where the contents become exposed. No significant health effects are associated with the product in its uncompromised state. Due care should be taken not to short circuit the terminals (applying a metal, electrical conductor across terminals). Rating (HMIS System) for Sealed Lead Acid Battery Health, Flammability, Reactivity

Potential health effects

None expected for finished product under normal conditions of use Fire and Explosion: The sealed lead acid battery is not considered flammable, but it will burn if involved in a fire. Short circuiting can also result in fire. Evacuate area. Self-contained apparatus must be worn to prevent possible inhalation of acid mists, smoke and decomposition products in a fire. Remove all ignition sources. Cool battery to prevent rupture. Section 4 - FIRST-AID MEASURES Sulphuric Acid Precaution (ONLY A DANGER IF CASING IS COMPROMISED OR DAMAGED) Skin Exposure: If the internal battery materials of an opened battery cell come into contact with the skin, immediately flush with plenty of hand soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if the contact area is larger or if blisters form. Eye Contact: Seek medical attention immediately. Flush thoroughly with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes or until medical attention arrives. Assure adequately flushing by separating the eyelid with fingers. Ingestion: Seek medical attention immediately. If patient is still conscious, flush mouth with water, have the patient drink milk or sodium bicarbonate solution. DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON. Inhalation: If potential for exposure to mist or dusts occur, remove immediately to fresh air and seek medical attention. Oral Exposure: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Seek immediate medical attention. Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES Extinguishing Media: Multi-purpose dry chemical or multi-purpose CO₂ Firefighting Procedures: Evacuate area. Self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn to prevent possible inhalation of acid mists, smoke and decomposition products in a fire. Remove all ignition sources. Cool battery to prevent rupture. Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Hydrogen gas may be produced and may explode if ignited. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area. Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Leakage or Spill: If sulphuric acid is spilled from a battery; flush the area with water, if safe to do so. Neutralise the acid with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbon (soda ash), or calcium oxide (lime). Do not allow un-neutralised acid into sewage system. If safe, washing with a dishwashing solution and water is a suitable alternative neutralisation method. Waste Disposal: Neutralised acid may be flushed down the sewer. Spent batteries must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of according to local state and federal regulations. Exhausted batteries may be sent to the appropriate recycling company. A copy of this material safety data sheet must be supplied to any scrap dealer or secondary lead smelter with battery. Do not dispose of in regular garbage. Suggested Procedure in Case of Accident: a damaged battery may be confined by placing the battery in a strong plastic bag/container then handed to a recycling company. Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE Handling Do not carry the battery by the terminals. Do not drop the battery, puncture or attempt to open the battery case. In case of a battery unintentionally being crushed, acid resistant gloves must be used to handle all battery components. Avoid contact with eyes and skin; avoid inhalation. Keep away from ignition sources, heat and flame, during and immediately after charge. NO SMOKING AT WORKSITE. Avoid prolonged overcharges in confined areas. Batteries must be packed in inner packages in such a manner as to effectively prevent short circuits and to prevent movement which could lead to short circuits.

Storage

Store in a cool (ambient room temperature), well-ventilated area. Keep away from ignition sources, heat and flame. Such batteries must be packed in inner packages in such a manner as to effectively prevent short circuits and to prevent movement which could lead to short circuits. Avoid conditions which could cause arcing between battery terminals. Hygiene Wash hands thoroughly before eating or smoking after handling batteries. Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROL/PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) Lead The toxic effects of the lead are accumulative and slow to appear. It affects the kidneys and reproductive nerve system. The symptoms of lead from over exposure are anaemia, vomiting, headache, stomach pain (lead colic), dizziness, loss of appetite and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead from batteries most often occurs during lead reclaim operations through the breathing or ingestion of lead dust and fumes. See also http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/home/ovc-20275050 Lead compounds exposure limits is 0.05mg/m3. Sulphuric Acid Sulphuric acid is strong and corrosive. Contact with acid can cause severe burns on the skin and eyes. Ingestion of sulphuric acid will cause GI tract burns. Acid can be released if the battery case is damaged or if the vents are tampered with. Sulphuric acid electrolyte exposure limits is mg/m3 OSHA. Fibreglass Separators Fibreglass is an irritant of the upper respiratory tract, skin and eyes. For exposure up to 10F/CC, MSA Comfoll with type H filter. Above 10F/CC up to 50F/CC use ultra/twin type H filter. This product is not considered carcinogenic by NTP or OSHA. Personal Protection Eye: Not necessary under normal circumstances of use for finished product. Skin: Not necessary under normal circumstances of use for finished product. Respiratory: Not necessary under normal circumstances of use for finished product. Ventilation: Not necessary under normal circumstances of use for finished product. Work Practices: Not necessary under normal circumstances of use for finished product. Section 9 - PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Physical Data Component Density Melting Points Solubility (H₂O) Odour Appearance Lead 11.34 327.4°C (boiling) None Odourless Silver-grey Material Lead Sulphate 6.2 107°C (boiling) 40mg/1 (15°C) Odourless White Powder Lead Dioxide 9.4 290°C (boiling) None Odourless Brown Powder Sulphuric Acid About 1.3 About 114°C (boiling) 100% Acidic Clear Colourless Liquid Fibreglass Separator N/A Slight Toxic White Fibrous Glass Polyethylene Separator N/A Slight Toxic Grey Corrugated Rubber 478 Polystyrene N/A None Odourless Solid Flammability Data Component Flashpoint Explosive Limits Comments Lead None Sulphuric Acid N/A None Sealed batteries can emit hydrogen only if over charged Hydrogen 4% to 74.2% (float voltage > 2.4VPC) Toxic vapours may be released. In case of fire, wear self- Fibreglass Separator None N/A contained breathing apparatus. Toxic vapours may be released. In case of fire, wear self- Polyethylene Separator None N/A contained breathing apparatus. Temperature over 300°C (572°F) may release combustible 478 Polystyrene None N/A gases. In case of fire, wear positive pressure self-container breathing apparatus. Section 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures Conditions to Avoid: Shorting; use only approved charging methods. Do not puncture battery case. Strong oxidant, corrosives. Hazardous Reactions: N/A Decomposition: N/A