Car Battery Safety in Lab: Risk Assessment

In summary, storing a car battery inside a classroom/lab is a new battery and it is plugged into a charger all the time. It's a safety hazard if someone drops it on their foot or shorting the electrical terminals. It would be a good idea to check and see if there are any guidelines or protocols written for the labs at your university that address this.
  • #1
Gamma
357
11
Hello everyone,
How much of a safety hazard is it to store a car battery inside a classroom/lab? It's a new battery and it is plugged into a charger all the time. I use is only couple of times per year for a demonstration. Thanks!
-Gamma
 
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  • #2
If its a 'No Maintenance' sealed SLA battery connected to a proper multi-stage float charger the main danger is from someone dropping it on their foot or shorting the electrical terminals. Storing it in a acid/alkali leak-proof container/liner when not being used would be a good idea.
 
  • #3
Yes it is! Thanks so much. Very helpful response! -
 
  • #4
It wouldn't hurt to check and see if there are any guidelines or protocols written for the labs at your university that address this. I've found old paperwork of that sort going through my AST labs' storage closet- they had protocols written down for everything...

You might want to put a warning label on it just in case a student tries to use it and ends up dropping it like nsaspook noted. That or lock it in a cabinet.
 
  • #5
Right! Yes, this issue came up because my physics lab is also my physics classroom. We spend lots of time learning and we get thirsty :) Since my room was designated as a lab, recently a rule was brought up to not allow water. In fighting back, we found only hazardous material present is the car battery and I was asked to remove it before allowing food/drinks. Now I have decided, as you said, to store the battery in a small closet area in the room. I will have the battery plugged into a charger continuously to preserve its charge.
 
  • #6
You want to be sure that the charger is a "battery tender", not just a "battery charger". A battery tender will only charge occasionally when needed to keep the voltage up. Also make sure that the closet is well vented so any gas from charging will not build up. It's explosive.
 
  • #7
I wouldn't worry about storing a car battery, but I would about leaving it on a charger, unattended, all the time.

If the charger malfunctions and the battery overcharges, it will produce hydrogen sulfide, which is poisonous and flammable.

A car (lead-acid) battery in storage is usually monitored to make sure it keeps its charge (i.e. > 12.42 V), and is charged as needed, under supervision (reference). This is usually once every month or two.
 
  • #9
Ummm...I'll call it quite hazardous.
Our educational lab facility is a big shop. Students were charging up a couple of those expensive deep-draw batteries for a solar powered boat project. I walked in one morning just in time to hear a big POP-Whheeessssssshsshhhhhhh. The students (whose project advisor is a Ph.D. EE) were allowed to overcharge the bank. Boom, it spewed acid all over the place.

I'm the only faculty at my institution that ever spent time in the Real World of Industrial Pain & Suffering. Luckily I'm widely known as a Raging A-hole Jerk when it comes to Shop Safety and insist on all personnel wearing eye protection at all times.

I also teach an Industrial Safety course. One of the topics is material handling, which leads to fork lifts, which leads to "how to charge the batteries." Guidelines are:
  • reserve an area away from normal population as much as possible
  • protect against spills etc & clean up immediately if done
  • always approach with proper PPE
  • protect against shorts & sparks because that will lead to other bad things
  • provide plenty of ventilation
  • proper documentation, training, re-training, and refresher training programs for everybody concerned
Our friends at OSHA have much to say on the subject (search for "batteries and battery charging"):

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10742
 
  • #10
Fork lift traction batteries are normally flooded unsealed deep-discharged cells that are designed to and will outgas during a normal charging cycle, not recommenced for something like lab duty without OSHA precautions. A typical HOBART 200A+ dumb charger operates in the 'recharge as quickly as possible mode' because the plates are thick (usually of Lead-Antimony) and are designed for this type of abuse so the machines can quickly get back to work. In this case we have a sealed 'No Maintenance' (Lead-Calcium or Absorbed Glass Mat battery plates for low out-gassing and self-discharge) car battery that if used with a typical multi-stage float low-rate charger is very safe with normal precautions.
 
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  • #11
Get different batteries, car batteries aren't that good anyways.

Don't take the chance of leaving voltage on them. Cap them with plastic or dielectric grease when you're not using it. This is a school you are talking about and not a part shop or garage. Or keep the battery in a fan ventilated area going outside.
 

1. What are the potential risks of working with car batteries in a laboratory setting?

The main risks associated with working with car batteries in a lab include the possibility of electric shock, chemical burns, and the release of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, there is a risk of explosion if the battery is mishandled or damaged.

2. How can I reduce the risk of accidents when working with car batteries in a lab?

To reduce the risk of accidents, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. It is also crucial to handle the batteries with care and avoid damaging them. Proper ventilation and using fume hoods can help prevent the buildup of toxic gases.

3. Are there any special precautions that should be taken when disposing of car batteries in a lab?

Yes, there are special precautions that should be taken when disposing of car batteries in a lab. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper disposal. This may include neutralizing any remaining chemicals and recycling the battery at a designated facility.

4. Can car batteries be safely stored in a lab?

Yes, car batteries can be safely stored in a lab as long as they are stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It is important to avoid storing batteries near heat sources or in direct sunlight, as this can increase the risk of explosion.

5. What should I do if a car battery spills or leaks in the lab?

If a car battery spills or leaks in the lab, it is important to immediately evacuate the area and contact the appropriate authorities. Wear the appropriate PPE and follow the appropriate spill cleanup procedures. This may include neutralizing any chemicals and properly disposing of the battery.

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