Industrial Battery Safety Guide for Yuasa Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

A Yuasa sealed lead-acid battery is a type of industrial battery that is designed so that during the charging process, oxygen is generated, captured and recombined within the battery. The electrolyte is confined, but the gases escape through a vent or valve if the pressure inside exceeds its threshold.

These types of batteries work well for many industrial and day-to-day purposes, even in cars, boats and power generators. However, you should take the necessary safety precautions while using Yuasa sealed lead-acid batteries. Here are some quick tips for industrial battery safety.

Battery Storage Safety

When storing industrial batteries, be sure the storage area is well ventilated. Also, industrial batteries should not be stored near flames or where sparks can form. For damaged batteries, be sure to label these as "damaged" and store them in containment structures that are acid-resistant.

Tips for Charging Yuasa Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

When charging industrial batteries, use a charger that is designed for that particular battery. Otherwise, you could permanently damage the battery or cause a fire to occur. The charging area should not be located near where flames, electric arcs or sparks could form. Never over-charge an industrial battery. Always replenish the battery fluid with distilled water.

If in a work environment, be sure there are emergency wash facilities located near the charging and storage areas. Also in both the charging and storage areas, hang signs stating "No Smoking - Flammable."

Storing and Pouring Acid for Yuasa Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

When storing acid for industrial batteries, keep the acid away from direct sunlight and be sure the storage area stays cool at all times. Always use nonmetallic funnels and containers. Pour the concentrated acid into the water very slowly and carefully; do NOT pour water into the acid. Wear safety gloves, goggles and arm protection while working with acid.

If you get acid in your eyes, flush them immediately with water for at least 15 minutes, and then seek medical attention. If you get acid on your skin, rinse the skin immediately with lots of water. If the acid burns appear to be second degree burns or worse, then seek medical attention. In case of an acid spill, neutralize the spill with baking soda, and then rinse it with clean water.

Servicing Industrial Batteries

Service industrial batteries regularly and inspect them for loose connections, corrosion on connectors or terminals, cracked areas on the battery case or cover, loose clamps, and defective cables. Replace any worn or torn parts. Clean the battery terminal and clamps with a tapered brush and a baking soda solution, but be careful not to touch both terminals simultaneously as this can cause shock. Be sure to follow the Yuasa sealed lead-acid battery manufacturer's guide when replacing or repairing the battery.

Follow these tips to use Yuasa sealed lead-acid batteries safely and effectively. You'll get longer use out of the batteries, and will also protect yourself and others from injury.

Golf Cart Batteries Maintenance and Safety

A golf cart battery contains sulfuric acid. For that single reason a lot of care must be taken and proper respect must be paid to that liquid because it is highly caustic. The maintenance of golf cart batteries is generally pretty simple as long as you take the proper safety precautions.

For safety you are advised to have the following items:

rubberized safety gloves
safety glasses
distilled water
baking soda
old clothes
The gloves and the glasses are pretty self explanatory. However, the baking soda is for neutralizing the sulfuric acid. Should you have a spill of any type, the best thing to do is flush the area with a combination of distilled water and baking soda. The old clothes are highly suggested in case you splatter or spill some of the acid on your yourself.

The distilled water and baking soda should be used to wash off the batteries before starting to do any maintenance. You want to do this as a safe measure to remove possible acid residue on the outside of the battery as well as normal dirt and dust. This dirt and dust removal is important so it does not make its way inside the battery when the bents are opened.

Once the golf cart battery has been cleaned, the outside should be inspected for cracks. Any cracks, no matter how small, is an indication that the battery should be replaced.

The battery needs to be filled with distilled water. You want to make sure that is done after the battery has been fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, you could get into a overflow situation. The charging of the battery has a tendency to expand the water and creates gasses.

It is important to note that a battery should not be charged unless there is at least a half inch of water above the plates inside the battery. It is important not to let the lead plates dry out during charging. This is a sure way to cause yourself to buy a new battery.

The maintenance of golf cart batteries is quite simple as I have explained but it should be noted that a quick review of your owners manual may also provide helpful hints and tips to prolong the life of your battery.