WARNING

DANGEROUS CHEMICALS ARE USED IN

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

The electrolyte used in nickel-cadmium batteries contains potassium hydroxide (KOH), which is a caustic chemical

agent. Serious and deep burns of body tissue will result if the electrolyte comes in contact with the eyes or any part

of the body. Use rubber gloves, rubber apron, and protective goggles when handling the electrolyte. If accidental.

contact with the electrolyte is made, use ONLY clean water and immediately (seconds count) flush contaminated

areas. Continue flushing with large quantities of clean water. Seek medical attention without delay for the eyes.

EXPLOSIVE GASES ARE GENERATED BY

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

Hydrogen and oxygen gases are generated in explosive proportion while the nickel-cadmium battery is being.

charged and discharged. Charge the nickel-cadmium battery in a well-ventilated area to reduce concentrations of

explosive gases. Turn off the battery charger before connecting or disconnecting the nickel-cadmium battery to pre-

vent arching. Do not use matches or an open flame in the charging area. Arcs, flames, or sparks in the charging

area will ignite the gases and cause an explosion. The battery box cover must be removed and the battery case vent

plug (if used) must be open when charging.

DO NOT MIX SULPHURIC ACID AND KOH

The electrolyte used in nickel-cadmium batteries reacts violently to the sulphuric acid used in the more common

lead-acid types of batteries. DO NOT add sulphuric acid electrolyte to the battery; the mixing of the acid and KOH

electrolytes will cause a violent reaction which could result in the splattering of the mixture into the eyes and onto

the skin. Every effort must be made to keep nickel-cadmium batteries as far away as possible from lead-acid bat-

teries. Do not use the same tools and materials such as screwdrivers, wrenches, syringes, hydrometers, and gloves

for both types of batteries. Any trace of acid or acid fumes will permanently damage nickel-cadmium batteries on

contact.

BATTERY SHOP SAFETY PRACTICES

Nickel-cadmium battery maintenance personnel should be thoroughly trained in the use of charging, discharging,

and test procedures. The employment of properly trained personnel in the maintenance of nickel-cadmium bat-

teries cannot be overemphasized. The nickel-cadmium battery shop must be used ONLY to maintain nickel-cadmi-

um batteries. Anything associated with lead-acid batteries should never come in contact with nickel-cadmium bat-

teries, including acid fumes. In addition to the equipment required to maintain nickel-cadmium batteries; the

nickel-cadmium battery shop should have adequate ventilation; deluge shower, eyewash fountain, and fire ex-

tinguisher.

TIGHTENING TERMINAL SCREWS

AND STUDS

Be extremely careful when tightening terminal screws and studs. Bodily injury and damage to the equipment may

result if the torque wrench accidently causes a short circuit.

FIRE FIGHTING SAFETY PRACTICE

CO2 is an acceptable fire extinguishing agent once a fire has developed. In no case should CO2 be directed into a bat-

tery compartment to effect cooling or displace explosive gases. The static electricity generated by the discharge of

the extinguishers could explode hydrogen/oxygen gases trapped in the battery compartment.