LEAD ACID BATTERY WET, FILLED WITH ACID

Material Safety Data Sheet
Revised: April 2000

Trade Name: Electric storage battery, SLU or Industrial battery. 
Classification: Battery wet, filled with acid, electric storage UN2794

Emergency Telephone Number: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
In Washington, D.C. or outside Continental U.S., call 1-202-483-7616

Hazardous Components

Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid):

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Cool exterior of battery if exposed to fire to prevent rupture. The acid mist and vapors in a fire situation are corrosive. Wear special respiratory protection (SCBA) and clothing.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: *Hydrogen gas, which may explode is ignited, is produced by this battery, especially when charging. Use adequate ventilation, avoid open flames, sparks or other sources of ignition.

Stability: Stable          

Condition to Avoid: Prolonged overcharging, sources of ignition.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Sulfuric Acid: Contact with combustibles and organic material may cause fire and explosion. Also reacts violently with strong reducing agents, metals, strong oxidizers and water. Contact with metals may produce toxic sulfur dioxide fumes and may release flammable hydrogen gas.

Hazardous Decomposition of By-Products: Sulfuric Acid: Excessive overcharging or fire may create sulfur trioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfuric acid mist, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen. Lead Compounds: Contact with strong acid or base or presence of nascent hydrogen may generate highly toxic arsine gas

Route(s) of Entry: Not applicable under normal use. (Inhalation, skin contact and ingestion)

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic): Do not open battery, avoid contact with internal components. Internal components are oxide lead and electrolyte. Short Term Exposure: Sulfuric acid may cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Prolonged contact may cause severe burns.
Long Term Exposure: Repeated contact causes irritation and skin burns. Repeated exposure to mist may cause erosion of teeth, chronic eye irritation and/or chronic inflammation of the nose, throat and the bronchial tubes.
TARGET ORGAN: respiratory system, eyes, skin and teeth

Carcinogenicity: 
Sulfuric Acid: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as a Category 1 carcinogen, a substance that is carcinogenic to humans. This classification does not apply to liquid forms of sulfuric acid contained within a battery. Inorganic acid mist (sulfuric acid mist) is not generated under normal use of this product. Misuse of the product such as overcharging, may result in the generation of sulfuric acid mist. 
Lead Compounds: Lead is listed as a 2B carcinogen, likely in animals at extreme doses. Proof of carcinogenicity in humans is lacking at present.
Arsenic: Listed by National Toxicology Program (NTP), IARC, OSHA and NIOSH as a carcinogen only after prolonged exposure at high levels.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Acid contact may cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Breathing of mist may produce respiratory difficulty. Contact with eyes and skin causes irritation and skin burns. Sulfuric acid is a CORROSIVE chemical
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Sulfuric Acid Mist exposure may aggravate medical conditions such as, pulmonary edema, bronchitis, emphysema, dental erosion and traceobronchitis. Pregnant women and children must be protected from lead exposure.

Emergency and First Aid Procedures: (Sulfuric Acid)

1. Flush contacted area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and obtain medical attention if necessary. Eye wash and/or emergency shower should be readily available.

2. If swallowed, give large volumes of water DO NOT induce vomiting, obtain medical treatment. 

3. Eyewash and shower stations should be made available.
   

Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled: SULFLURIC ACID: Dilute spill cautiously with five to six volumes of water and gradually neutralize with sodium bicarbonate, soda ash or lime. When exposure level is not known, wear NIOSH approved positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. (Reference North American Emergency Response Guidebook, #154.
Waste Disposal Method: Lead-acid batteries are completely recyclable. For information on returning batteries to Dynacell for recycling, contact your Dynacell representative. Dispose of collected material in accordance with applicable local, state or federal regulations.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storing: Store away from reactive material as defined in Section V, Reactivity Data. Place cardboard between layers of stacked batteries to avoid damage and short circuit. Do not allow metallic materials to simultaneously contact both terminals.
Other Precautions: Sodium bicarbonate, soda ash, sand or lime should be kept in same general area for emergency use. Keep away from sources of ignition during charging, see Section IV on generation of hydrogen gas. If battery case is broken, avoid direct contact with internal components.

Respiratory Protection (Specific Type): Respirator required when PEL is exceeded or employee witnesses respiratory irritation (See Section VI, Health Hazard Data).

Ventilation: Must be provided when charging in and enclosed area. (29CFR1910.178 (g) and .305 (J) (7) 

Mechanical (general): Acceptable at 1 to 4 air exchanges/house or to maintain air concentrations below the PEL.
Local Exhaust: Preferred
Other: Local building/fire codes may require explosion proof fans and equipment.

Protective Gloves: Acid resistant
Eye Protection: Preferred safety glasses, goggles, face shield
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Acid resistant aprons, boots and protective clothing.
Work Hygienic Practices: Good personal hygiene and work practices are mandatory.

Note: Sulfuric acid is water-reactive if concentrated.

RCRA: Spent lead-acid batteries are not regulated as hazardous waste when recycled. Spilled sulfuric acid is a characteristic hazardous waste. EPA hazardous waste number D002 (corrosivity)

CERCLA (Superfund) and EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act)

a) Reportable Quantity (RQ) for spilled 100% sulfuric acid is 1,000 lbs.
b) Sulfuric acid is a listed “Extremely Hazardous Substance” under EPCRA with a Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) of 1,000 lbs.
c) EPCRA Section 312 Tier II reporting required for batteries if sulfuric acid is present in quantities of 500 lbs. or more and/or lead is present in quantities of 10,000 lbs. or more

California Prop 65: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.

For additional information concerning East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. products or questions concerning the content of this MSDS, please contact your DYNACELL representative.

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge or obtained from sources believed by us to be accurate. Before using any product, read all warnings and directions on the label.


The Federal I.D. number for East Penn's recycling facility if #23-1315454. This
recycling facility recycles used lead-acid batteries under license number EPA PAD 002330165.