Safely handling battery acid spills

If employees charge forklift or other industrial batteries, they need to understand the hazards of acid and know how to handle small, incidental spills.

Battery acid is dilute sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a clear, colorless liquid with an acrid smell. It’s corrosive and can cause severe burns.

In the event of a sulfuric acid/battery acid spill, employees should:

1. Report the incident immediately.
2. Neutralize the spill with soda ash or baking soda. Use one pound of baking soda to one gallon of water. Appropriate supplies should be near the charging area.
3. The acid reaction is complete when it stops fizzing. Verify that the acid is neutralized by checking the pH with litmus paper or a pH meter. A neutral pH reading is between six and eight.
4. Absorb neutralized material using material such as clay or kitty litter, if necessary. If the spill is very large, contain it with earth or clay dikes.
5. Brush under battery connectors and remove all grime. Rinse the residue from the battery with clean water.
6. Determine proper disposal by contacting local environmental authorities.

With proper training and supplies, employees can clean up battery acid spills safely.