Charging Storage Batteries (Appx. B-3)

TM 9-6140-200-14

WARNING

To prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment,

the battery gas volatility descriptions below should be

brought to the attention of all battery maintenance

personnel and similar statements posted where battery

maintenance is performed.

d. Battery Gases Are Explosive.

(1) Battery Gases During Charging Operations, When a battery is being

charged, it releases a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases. These

gases can explode if a spark or flame is brought too near the charging

battery. Any room or compartment where charging batteries are confined

should be well ventilated. Do not allow flames or sparks near filler cap

vent openings.

NOTE

If a new recharged battery shows a difference

of more than 0.025 specific gravity between cells,

the battery is unserviceable.

(2) Static Battery Gases. Small quantities of hydrogen gas are given off at

negative plates of lead-acid batteries, even when the battery cells are not

being charged. It must, therefore, be assumed that explosive mixture of

hydrogen gas are present within and around battery cells at all times. A

torch, match, flame, lighted cigarette, or any spark from metal tools

accidentally contacting the battery terminals, could cause ignition of these

gases.

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