Batteries - Safety Education and Training

Learn about types of batteries, their handling and disposal
By Gail L. Perry, Freelance Writer / MSW Life Coach Batteries replace electrical outlets and cords with chemical energy to provide electrical energy. Electrical energy generates from the positive and negative charged cells inside the battery. A solid or liquid electrolyte combines with the cells causing a chemical reaction that pushes ions (electrically charged atoms) through the cell to the connected circuit.

Depending on your need, you have a selection of batteries to choose from to power equipment if you're using something other than the basic D, C, AA or AAA. The makers of batteries provide two types of batteries: wet and dry cell with either being rechargeable or disposable. For more batteries education and training, consider the following areas:

1. Learn battery safety.

2. Understand batteries beyond household type.

3. Dispose of your batteries properly.

Train your employees to handle batteries with safety in mind

Know what type of battery you have on hand, and check with the battery maker for accurate safety information. Battery makers recommend you wear safety gear when handling certain batteries to protect against acid to skin contact, and some recommend avoiding possible electric currents, sparks or fire. Certain batteries lead to fire, explosions or other hazards when handled improperly. Take time to research safety recommendations with the batteries your company uses.
Try:  National Ag Safety Database provides a brief training for lead-acid storage batteries. Batteries Wholesale provides safety instructions for Ni-MH batteries. CTIA.org offers safety information for wireless electronics.

Obtain information about batteries' types

Battery manufacturers make two types of batteries - wet (primary and secondary) or dry cell batteries. Typically, wet cell batteries are the most common industrial batteries, and they use lead acid to produce electrical currents. Three types of wet cell batteries are starting (cranking), deep cycle (golf cart/marine) and dual purpose (combination of the first two). These are usually rechargeable, but overcharging one of these batteries will shorten its lifespan.
Try:  BatteryStuff.com offers an in-depth battery tutorial, and HowStuffWorks differentiates between car batteries and deep cycle batteries.

Educate employees to dispose of batteries appropriately

Businesses can recycle or dispose of batteries to ensure minimum impact on the earth. The goal is to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. If disposed of improperly, batteries increase pollution, expose water supply to lead and acids, and have metals that vaporize into the air when burned.
Try:  Battery Solutions provides a detailed list of dry and wet cell batteries with instructions on how to dispose of these batteries. For disposal guidelines for typical household batteries, see Environmental Health and Safety Online. Energizer also provides battery disposal guidance based on U.S. federal laws and regulations.

• Check the MSDS sheets for batteries; information is important for your employees to handle, store, utilize and dispose of specific batteries properly.