While motorcycle batteries are essential, they hold a significant amount of energy and contain corrosive chemicals. Whether you're installing, charging, or handling a battery, knowing the proper safety precautions is crucial.
Here is McMartin’s guide to safely managing your powersports battery.
1. The Two Major Hazards
Working with lead-acid batteries involves managing two primary risks:
- Explosive Gases: Batteries produce highly flammable hydrogen gas when charging or discharging. When combined with oxygen, this gas can ignite, causing the battery case to rupture or explode.
- Sulfuric Acid: The electrolyte (acid) inside the battery is highly corrosive and can cause serious burns, internal injuries, or blindness.
2. General Safety Precautions (No Sparks, No Acid)
To keep these hazards under control, always follow these rules:
|
Safety Rule |
Why It Matters |
|
No Smoking or Open Flames |
Never smoke, strike a match, or introduce any source of sparks or open flame near a battery. The flammable hydrogen gas released can be easily ignited. |
|
Wear Protective Gear |
Always wear eye protection (safety glasses or goggles), protective gloves, and appropriate clothing when handling batteries, especially during filling or charging. |
|
Ensure Ventilation |
Work in a well-lighted and well-ventilated area. This disperses the hydrogen gas produced during charging. |
|
Immediate Acid Cleanup |
If an acid spill occurs, clean it up immediately. Neutralize the sulfuric acid using a solution of water and baking soda (approximately 1 lb of baking soda per 1 gallon of water). |
3. Safety During Charging
The charging process is when batteries are most likely to release flammable gases and build up heat.
|
Charging Precaution |
What You Must Do |
|
Check Conventional Vent Caps |
If you have a conventional (non-AGM) battery, loosen the vent caps when charging to prevent the build-up of explosive gas inside the battery case. |
|
Monitor Temperature |
If the battery feels hot to the touch during charging, stop immediately and let it cool down before resuming. Excessive heat damages the battery plates and can lead to case rupture. |
|
Connect Leads Properly |
Always connect your charger leads Positive (+) to Positive (+) and Negative (-) to Negative (-). |
|
Prevent Sparks |
Unplug or turn off the charger before connecting or disconnecting the leads from the battery. This minimizes the chance of creating a spark near the battery terminals. |
|
Conventional Battery Vent Tube |
If activating a new conventional battery, remove the red sealing cap from the vent elbow and never put it back on. Ensure the vent tube is not kinked or blocked, as trapped gas can cause an explosion. |
4. Emergency Acid Contact Protocol
If you or someone else comes into contact with sulfuric acid, take immediate action and seek medical attention.
|
Type of Exposure |
Immediate Action |
|
Eyes |
Flush for several minutes with copious amounts of water. Get immediate medical attention. Sulfuric acid can cause blindness. |
|
Skin (External) |
Flush the affected area with water immediately. |
|
Swallowed (Internal) |
Drink large quantities of milk or water, followed by milk of magnesia, vegetable oil, or raw, beaten eggs. Call a poison control centre or doctor immediately. Ingesting acid can cause serious internal injury or death. |
Your safety is paramount. By following these straightforward guidelines from McMartin's, you can ensure that working with your motorcycle battery is a safe and manageable task.
