Lead-Acid
Batteries
Quick Reference Guide 10
H&S and Environmental Hazards
Contains sulphuric acid. Exposure may cause burns to skin and
eyes.
Contains lead which is toxic to humans, soils, and land-based
and aquatic flora and fauna species. Lead may bioaccumulate in
the food chain.
Storage & Handling
Do’s
Wear appropriate PPE when handling lead-acid
batteries - refer relevant MSDS.
Don'ts
Do not store fresh or spent batteries on open ground or
in areas where they are exposed to the elements.
Store batteries upright and in a cool, well-ventilated and
sheltered environment over concrete with adequate
secondary containment to prevent leaks entering sewer
or stormwater drains.
Batteries should not be stored longer than 12 months.
Batteries should be regularly serviced and batteries that
are not working repaired to ensure maximum use and
minimise use of replacements.
Handling Spills
Spill must be attended to immediately.
Wear appropriate PPE
Use spill kit materials to promptly contain and control the flow and stop flow to drains and
open ground. In the field, apply absorbents to the spill to prevent soaking into soils as much as
possible.
Promptly clean up any recovered material and dispose appropriately. In the field this may
require removing contaminated soil.
All contaminated materials (absorbent materials, rags, soils etc.) must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
Disposal
Do’s
Dispose of spent batteries intact back to manufacturers
or battery recyclers.
Don'ts
Do not dispose of batteries as general waste.
Materials contaminated with lead-acid battery
chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Further
Information:
Chem Alert - Defences Safety Data Sheet & Hazardous Substance / Dangerous Goods
Management Database at http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/msds/default.htm