Did You Know?
Staying Safe
Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, and may also contain explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen gases. To stay safe, follow these precautions when working around batteries:
- Keep sparks, flames, burning cigarettes, or other sources of ignition away from the battery at all times.
- Do not place a car battery or acid within the reach of children.
- Always wear safety goggles, a face shield, and protective clothing.
- Never lean over the car battery during charging, testing, or jump-starting operations.
- Do not break live circuits at the terminals.
- Only use clean charger cable clamps or booster leads with good connections.
- Make sure metallic objects do not fall across the ungrounded terminal and adjacent grounded metal.
- Avoid spilling or splashing electrolyte.
- Immediately neutralize spilled electrolyte with a solution of baking soda and water.
- If handling a plastic-cased battery, use a car battery carrier, or lift with your hands at opposite corners.
