BatteriesBATTERY HAZARDSBATTERY HAZARDSBecause batteries store large amounts of energy, there are certain hazards thatare associated with battery operation. These hazards must be fully understood toensure safe operation of batteries.EO 1.10 EXPLAIN the adverse effects of a shorted cell.EO 1.11 EXPLAIN how gas generation is minimized fora lead-acid battery.EO 1.12 EXPLAIN how heat is generated in a lead-acidbattery.ShortedCellCell short circuits can be caused by several conditions, which include the following: faultyseparators; lead particles or other metals forming a circuit between the positive and negativeplates; buckling of the plates; or excessive sediments in the bottom of the jar. The primary causeof some of these occurrences is overcharging and overdischarging of the battery, which causessediment to build up due to flaking of active material and buckling of cell plates.Overcharging and overdischarging should be avoided at all costs. Short circuits cause a greatreduction in battery capacity. With each shorted cell, battery capacity is reduced by a percentageequal to one over the total number of cells.GasGenerationA lead-acid battery cannot absorb all the energy from the charging source when the battery isnearing the completion of the charge. This excess energy dissociates water by way of electrolysisinto hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is produced by the positive plate, and hydrogen is producedby the negative plate. This process is known as gassing.Gassing is first noticed when cell voltage reaches 2.30-2.35 volts per cell and increases as thecharge progresses. At full charge, the amount of hydrogen produced is about one cubic foot percell for each 63 ampere-hours input. If gassing occurs and the gases are allowed to collect, anexplosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be readily produced. It is necessary, therefore,to ensure that the area is well ventilated and that it remains free of any open flames or spark-producing equipment.Rev. 0 Page 17 ES-04
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