MSDS

Section 4: Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
♦ Flash Point: Not Applicable ♦ Flammable Limits: Hydrogen LEL: 4 %; UEL: 74.2 % ♦ Hydrogen gas may be flammable and explosive when mixed with
oxygen, air or chlorine. Unusual Hazards
: Hydrogen and oxygen gases are generated in the cells during normal battery operations. Highly flammable
hydrogen gas is generated during charging and operation of batteries. Keep sparks and other ignition sources away from the batteries. Ensure proper
ventilation of charging areas consistent with OSHA (40 CFR 1910), National Fire Code, ACGIH, Building Code and other relevant standards. Lead acid
batteries will not burn or will burn with difficulty. ♦ Special
Fire Fighting Procedures: If batteries are on charge, shut off power. Use positive pressure, self
contained breathing apparatus and acid resistant clothing. Water applied to electrolyte generates heat and can cause it to splatter. Use “ABC” Type Fire
extinguisher for battery fires. ♦Extinguishing Media
: Halon, dry chemical, foam or CO
2
. Cool exterior of batteries exposed to fire to prevent ruptures.
Hydrogen gas may be present. Hydrogen gas and acid mist are generated during charging, or in fire.
Sulfuric acid mist and vapors generated by battery
overcharge, heat or fire are corrosive. Do not allow metallic materials to contact negative and positive terminals simultaneously of cells and batteries.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and service.
Section 5: Reactivity Data
Stable: yes √ No  Hazardous Polymerization
: Will not occur.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid overcharging battery. Avoid mixing acid with other chemicals. Avoid high temperatures. Do not allow smoking, open flame
or sparks near batteries while charging. Battery electrolyte will react with water and produce heat. Keep battery case away from strong oxidizers. Short
circuits may result in fire.
Incompatibility
: Lead/lead compounds: carbides, phosphorus, peroxides, potassium, sulfur. Battery electrolyte: strong bases, combustible and organic
materials, most metals, nitrates, chlorates. Battery case
: strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition/ Byproducts
: Sulfur Dioxide, Sulfur Trioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hydrogen. An explosive hydrogen and oxygen mixture within
the battery may be generated during charging and overcharging. Sanding and grinding of battery posts, post building and connector burning activities will
release airborne lead.
Section 6: Heath Hazard Data
Under normal conditions of battery use, battery materials will not present a health hazard.
♦ Routes of entry
: Sulfuric Acid: Harmful by all routes of entry.
Exposure to lead from a battery can occur during lead reclaim operations by breathing or ingesting lead dusts and fumes.
Ingestion
: possible via hand contaminated by contact with lead or acid components of the battery. Inhalation: acid mist
generated during battery charge may cause respiratory irritation. Eye contact
: possible if the battery electrolyte is splashed.
Skin Contact
: possible. Skin absorption is not a significant route of entry for lead. Battery electrolyte is corrosive to skin.
♦Acute Health Effect:
Overexposure to lead compounds may cause upset stomach, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, sleeplessness,
and dizziness. Contact with battery electrolyte (acid) may irritate the skin. Battery electrolyte may cause corneal
damage of the eyes or irritation of the mucous membranes and/or inflammation of the upper respiratory system.
♦Chronic Health Effects
The toxic effects of lead are cumulative, and slow to appear. Overexposure to lead may cause chronic anemia,
kidney and nervous system damage, muscles and joints pain. Lead may also cause reproductive system damage.
Repeated contact with battery electrolyte may lead to irritation of the skin and may result in dermatitis. Battery
electrolyte may scar the cornea, causing blindness, and cause chronic bronchitis. Prolonged contact to acid vapor
may cause erosion of tooth enamel.
♦Carcinogenicity:
Sulfuric Acid: The IARC has classified strong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acid as a Category 1
carcinogen, a substance that is carcinogenic to humans. The AGGIH has classified “strong inorganic acid mist
containing sulfuric acid” as an A2, suspected human carcinogen. These classifications do not apply to liquid forms
of sulfuric acid or electrolyte contained within the battery. Under normal battery use, sulfuric acid mist is not
generated. Misuse of the product, such as overcharging, may result in the generation of sulfuric acid mist.
Lead: NTP and IARC have classified lead as an animal carcinogen (A3), likely in animals at extreme doses. Proof
of carcinogenicity in humans is lacking at present and lead is unlikely to cause cancer in humans except under
uncommonly high levels of exposure.
Arsenic: Listed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),
OSHA and NIOSH as a carcinogen only after prolonged exposure at high levels.
♦Signs/Symptoms of Exposure:
Under normal battery use, the components do not present a health hazard. Under abnormal conditions or in case
of fire, breakage or overcharge, battery can cause the following symptoms:
SKIN
: Irritation or skin burn. EYES: Burning. INGESTION: upset stomach, fatigue, irritation or burn in the
mouth and the gastrointestinal system. INHALATION
: Breathing the acid vapor may cause respiratory difficulties.
♦Medical Condition Generally
Lead and its compounds can cause chronic liver, kidney and neurological problems. Contact with battery
Aggravated by Exposure:
electrolyte may cause dermatitis or eczema of the skin. Sulfuric acid mist may irritate the respiratory system.
Section 7 First Aid Measures
Emergency and First Aid: SKIN: Remove from source. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Treat as acid burn. If battery electrolyte is splashed in
shoes, remove immediately and discard. Remove contaminated clothing and obtain medical attention.
EYES
: Call physician immediately. Flush with cool water lifting lids until physician arrives. Treat as an acid burn.
INHALATION
: Remove to ventilated area. Get medical attention.
INGESTION:
Lead/lead compounds: consult physician. Battery Electrolyte: Do not induce vomiting, keep quiet, get
medical attention immediately. Do not give anything to an unconscious person.