Maintenance Centre

Electric Golf Buggy Battery Safety

Always observe the following warnings when working with or near batteries.

• To prevent battery explosion that could result in severe personal injury or death, keep all smoking materials, open flames and sparks away from the batteries. Hydrogen gas forms when charging batteries. Never charge batteries without adequate ventilation. A 4% concentration of hydrogen gas is explosive. Be sure that the key switch is turned off and all electrical accessories are turned off before starting work on the vehicle. Never disconnect a battery whilst it is being charged.
• Overfilling batteries may result in electrolyte being expelled from the battery during the charge cycle. Expelled electrolyte may cause damage to the vehicle and storage facility.
• Aerosol containers of battery terminal protectant and cleaner must be used with extreme care.
• Insulate the metal container to prevent can from touching the battery terminals which could result in an explosion.
• Wrap wrenches with vinyl tape to prevent the possibility of a dropped wrench from ’shorting out’ a battery, which could result in an explosion and severe personal injury or death.
• Batteries are heavy. Use proper lifting techniques when moving them. Always lift the battery with a commercially available battery lifting device. Take care not to tip the batteries when removing or installing them; spilled electrolyte can cause burns and damage.
• The electrolyte in a storage battery is an acid solution which can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Treat all electrolyte spills to the body and eyes with extended flushing with clear water. Contact a medical professional immediately.
• Always wear approved safety goggles when adding water or charging batteries.
• Any electrolyte spills should be neutralised with a solution of 60 ml sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in 6 litres of water and flushed well with water.