Safety with Motorcycle Batteries
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Safety with motorcycle batteries is the same as safety with any batteries. Even though most big brands are pushing their maintenance free models, you should still be careful. First of all, make sure your work area is well-ventilated and well-lit.
For your person:
- Make sure you wear appropriate clothing - an apron
or smock will protect your clothes. - Always wear a face shield or safety goggles.
- Wear plastic gloves to prevent acid burns.
For Acid:
- Clean up any acid spills asap, immediately using a baking soda and water solution to neutralize it (1lb. baking soda in 1 gallon of water).
- Make sure the acid container is clearly marked.
- If sulfuric acid is swallowed or splashed in the eyes, treat immediately. Sulfuric acid in the eyes can cause blindness. Serious internal injuries or death can result if swallowed. Used as an electrolyte, sulfuric acid can burn the skin.
- For acid on the skin, flush with water. If acid is swallowed drink large quantities of milk or water, followed by milk of magnesia, vegetable oil or beaten eggs. Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison control center or doctor immediately.
- Seek medical attention immediately if acid gets splashed in your eyes or is swallowed. Motorcycle batteries are no fun and games.
Because of the above risks with acid I recommend maintenance free motorcycle batteries. I briefly discussed them in my other article.
Charging Safety
Loosen vent caps and ventilate charging area when charging conventional batteries. A buildup of hydrogen and oxygen in the battery or in the charging area can create an explosion hazard. If you have personalized Motorcycle Number Plates then be sure to keep these out of the way.
If the battery feels hot to the touch during charging, STOP. Allow the battery to cool before charging again. Heat damages the plates, and a battery that is too hot can explode.
Make sure the vent tube isn’t kinked or blocked. Otherwise, gases could build up and explode. Refer to the maintenance of motorcycle batteries.
Properly connect the charger to the battery: positive charger lead to positive battery post and negative charger lead to negative battery post. Unplug the charger or turn it off before you disconnect the leads, which will cut down on the chance of sparks.
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, SPARKS OR FLAMES AROUND CHARGING BATTERIES. Charging gives off hydrogen and oxygen, which explode if ignited.
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