Because of their nature as a closed unit Sealed Lead Acid batteries will rarely pose any threat to your health. However accidents do happen and units do break (if dropped or hit by another heavy object) so it is worth knowing what to do in this situation.
It’s worth noting that even a dropped or cracked unit rarely leaks acid as it is held in a Glass Mat or silicon gel. However major damage could mean that both lead and acid escape and both are toxic to your health.
First Aid after contact with acid
Contact with the skin – immediately remove any clothing that has been splashed with acid and wash the skin with plenty of fresh water. If you were splashed a whole body shower is recommended.
Inhalation of acid – move to an area with plenty of fresh air and seek medical advice
Contact with eyes – rinse with fresh water, from a running tap, for several minutes and seek medical advice
After swallowing – do not try to induce vomiting but drink fresh water immediately and take activated carbon tablets. Seek medical advice
First Aid after contact with lead
Contact with the skin – clean the affected area with soap and water.
Contact with eyes – rinse with fresh water, from a running tap, for several minutes and seek medical advice.
After swallowing – wash your mouth out with fresh water and seek medical advice.
As a final note remember that health issues caused by sealed lead acid batteries, even damaged ones, are extremely rare and the guidance in this article is simply precautionary. Risks are further reduced by only purchasing high quality units such as those supplied by BatteryGuy.
Leave A Comment?