Environmental   and   Natural   Resources Program Manual,  (OPNAVINST  5090.1),  for more  disposal  information  on  lithium  batteries. If  you  use  lithium  batteries  on  a  daily  basis,  we recommend that you get a copy of the Technical Manual for   Batteries,   Navy   Lithium   Safety   Program Responsibilities   and   Procedures,   NAVSEA  S9310- AQ-SAF-010, and read through it. Lead-Acid  Cell  Batteries This is the most widely used wet-cell battery. It is also  one  of  the  most  dangerous  batteries  to  use  and maintain. Lead-acid batteries use sulfuric acid, and their battery  gases  (mainly  hydrogen)  are  extremely explosive. You’ll see this battery in automobiles and large  backup  power  systems. Remember,  lead-acid  batteries  are  very  dangerous. To  prevent  injury  to  yourself,  you  should  use  the following  safety  precautions: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4. 5. 6 . Always  keep  open  flames  and  sparks  of  all kinds away from lead-acid batteries. Be sure to have proper ventilation when you charge  lead-acid  batteries  to  prevent  the  build- up of hydrogen gas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging  lead-acid  batteries. Handle   battery   acid   (electrolyte)   V E RY carefully. This material is highly corrosive to the   skin   and   eyes   and   requires   full   body protection. Keep  the  battery  acid  above  the tops of the separators. Use  only  pure,  distilled  water  when  adding liquid  to  lead-acid  batteries. 7  . 8  . 9  . 10. 11. Do  Not  operate   lead-acid   batteries   in temperatures over 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees  Celsius). Do  Not  connect   or   disconnect   charging connections  when  charging  current  is  flowing. Do  Not   short-circuit   lead-acid   battery terminals. Do Not  pour  water  into  battery  acid;  always pour the acid into the water. And, make sure you wear appropriate skin and eye protection whenever you handle battery acid. Do Not put or allow salt water into a lead-acid battery.  It  will  create  an  extremely  toxic chlorine  gas. Nickel-Cadmium Cell Batteries Commonly known as  NICADs,  nickel-cadmium batteries   are   used   in   most   cordless,   rechargeable equipment,  such  as  flashlights,  cordless  drills,  and soldering irons, and in portable stereos. The following safety precautions for NICADs are relatively   simple: 1  . 2  . 3  . 4  . 5  . 6  . Charge NICADs in series, never in parallel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging NICADs. Do Not expose  NICADs  to  temperatures  over 113  degrees  Fahrenheit  (45  degrees  Celsius). Do Not short-circuit NICADs. Do Not store NICADs and lead-acid batteries in the same container or in the same area. Do Not dispose of NICADs by throwing them overboard.  Temporarily  store  exhausted  cells  in a steel container until you can dispose of them properly  ashore. VACUUM  TUBES There are basically two categories of vacuum tubes: (1) electron tubes,  and (2) cathode-ray  tubes.  There  are certain  safety  precautions  you  need  to  follow  when working  with  or  handling  vacuum  tubes.  The  following paragraphs  provide  a  brief  discussion  on  the  safety precautions for each category of tube. 2-7