Even though technology works towards reducing the battery hazards associated with batteries, the batteries still have some dangers that we cannot ignore. Therefore, proper care needs to be observed while working on batteries specifically while inside the battery charging rooms.
All batteries have the common risk of acid spillages and acid burns. Acid forms part of the battery electrolyte. The hydrogen gas that builds up in the room can also cause an explosion.
Here we are going to look at a wider view of the hazards that come with batteries and they are subdivided into:
- Battery electrical hazards;
- Hazards from Fire and explosion;
- Chemical hazards; and
- Other related hazards.
Battery Electrical Hazards
We are aware that batteries through electrochemical reactions, can produce electric power. The amount of electric power a battery produces however depends on the size of the battery.
When we talk about electrical hazards, there are two major ones which are electric shock and short circuit.
Let us discuss the two further, down below.
Electric Shock
When one comes into direct contact with the battery terminals an electric shock can occur. If one also comes into contact with conductor cables which are exposed or any conductive material that is connected to the battery then an electric shock can happen.
In both cases, the electric current passes through the body of the victim and that is what we refer to as an electric shock
Short-Circuit
When battery terminals get connected directly without load and a high current flow is experienced then we refer to that as Battery short circuit. A load in this case is equipment that needs power from the battery to work for example a bulb.
The sudden huge flow of current in a short span without load will lead to a sudden increase in temperature which will cause thermal runaway and thereafter an explosion can occur.
Thermal runaway can lead to various hazards like capturing the battery casing which in turn will spill the acid and have the battery terminals or battery parts melt down.
Overcharging the battery can also cause an explosion. The internal resistance of the battery increases when the battery is overcharged and this will result in overheating. This excess heat will cause thermal runaway. It is this thermal runaway that will cause the explosion or meltdown.
When the battery is overcharged, the risk of explosion also increases this is because during overcharging electrolysis also happens so fast and water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases so rapidly. With hydrogen gas concentration rising to 4%, the slightest spark will lead to an explosion.
Hazard From Explosion and Fire
As the battery charges, there is current that is introduced to the battery, this current makes the water break down into its components that is hydrogen and oxygen gas.
When the battery is sealed, the hydrogen and oxygen gases are capable of recombining back into water and in that case, very little gas gets out.
The case is different in flooded batteries like the lead-acid ones. In this type of battery, there is a pocket of air that is between the top of the battery and the electrolyte level.
When the charging room is not well ventilated the hydrogen gas will build up in the room and some will build up in the pocket of air that is between the top of the battery and the electrolyte level.
The hydrogen gas is highly flammable and any spark in the room is capable of ignition. Some of the things that can lead to sparkling include electrostatic discharge, switching on and off of electric light, and even abrasion of metal parts.
The sparks can cause hydrogen fire and the fire can spread so fast.
Chemical Hazards
Batteries are generally classified as hazardous. This is because of the materials that are used in making them. For instance, the electrodes are made from lead and lead is a heavy metal.
The battery electrolyte is also made of sulfuric acid. Acid is corrosive by nature. When one is exposed to high levels of lead anemia can kick in in the body. The body can also become generally weak and some body parts like the kidney and brain can get damaged.
When one is exposed largely to lead then death can occur. Pregnant women pose a danger to their unborn children when they come into contact with lead. Lead can penetrate through the placenta and get into the body of the baby. This can cause stillbirths, infertility, and even miscarriages.
Sulfuric acid, on the other hand, being acidic can cause acidic burns when it comes into contact with the skin. Acid can also cause temporary blindness and even permanent loss of sight when it comes into contact with the eye.
Acid when swallowed can cause severe burns starting from the mouth, throat, and even stomach. In case the acid is swallowed, seek medical attention immediately and do not try to induce vomiting because it will lead to more damage.
The materials and chemicals that are used in rechargeable batteries are dangerous to health. If batteries are not handled properly the personnel might suffer from acid burns if the skin comes into contact with the acid.
The eyes can also get permanently damaged in case of spillages. It is therefore very crucial to have precautionary measures practiced. Some of the measures include maintaining hygiene, proper ventilation, and using the right protective gear.
Other Related Hazards
Apart from what we have talked about above, some other hazards come with working in a battery room. They include:
- Falls that might result from handling batteries that are stored or placed at high height levels.
- Someone might trip from the tangling of electric cables or tools that might have been placed on the floor.
- Muscle injuries from handling very heavy batteries.
Final Thoughts
Batteries in general are hazardous and should be given the proper care that they need. Batteries that are already used should be collected for disposal by an approved recycling company.
Batteries should also be stored well in a manner that goes with the safety rules and regulations. Batteries should generally be disposed of appropriately with close observation of the laws and regulations within a specific state.