Battery charging installation should be located in areas designated for that purpose.
When charging batteries, the vent caps should be kept in place to avoid electrolyte spray. Care should be taken to ensure that vent caps are functioning.
Ensure that the bonnet is kept open during charging.
When racks are used for support of batteries, they should be made of materials non-conductive to spark generation or to be coated or covered to achieve this objective.
A conveyer, overhead hoist or equivalent material handling equipment should be provided for handling batteries.
Reinstalled batteries should be properly positioned and secure in the truck.
Trucks should be properly positioned and brake applied before attempting to change or charge batteries.
Smoking should be prohibited in the charging areas.
Precautions should be taken to prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging areas.
Tools and other metallic objects should be kept away from the top of uncovered batteries.
If acid is spilled on the floor, neutralize as quickly as possible, using alkaline, such as soda ash. If acid is spilled on clothing, wash as soon as possible. If acid comes into contact with skin, wash off with plenty of clean water. If acid splashes into the eyes, immediately flood eye with copious quantities of main tap water, then immediately seek medical advice.
A battery can be short-circuited by simultaneously touching two or more of the cell terminals or intercell connectors with a metal tool or other object capable of conducting electricity. If this happens, the conductive objective will:
Become hot and cause burns, and/or
Eject molten metal and spark which could ignite any hydrogen present, resulting in an explosion.
Before working on a battery, remove any metallic items from the hands, wrist and neck. Remove, also, anything which may fall from the pocket of clothing.
Always use insulated tools
Do not place tools or any other objects capable of conducting electricity on battery tops.
Always wear eye protection.
Always ensure that the charger is switched off before connecting or disconnecting the battery.