IEEE Std 1578-2018 pdf download – IEEE Recommended Practice for Stationary Battery Electrolyte Spill Containment and Management.
4.2.1 Absorption Absorption is the immobilization of electrolyte into an easily handled, solid material. Absorption materials can be loose (suitable for shoveling on top of a spill, especially one that is not contained) or in pillow-like mats (suitable for passive absorption of small spills less than 5 L or for creating barriers/dams to limit the spread of spills). Some commercially available absorption mats also include neutralizer and may change color when they come in contact with electrolyte. Exercise caution when using the latter due to concerns about possible off- gassing or misting inside a building (see 4.2.2). Absorption material should be appropriate for the type of electrolyte being absorbed. The absorption material should be able to safely absorb and hold the electrolyte while it is removed from the location of the spill. Exercise caution when using loose absorption material to ensure that its use does not create excessive dust (see also 7.4.3.2). 4.2.2 Neutralization of spilled electrolyte Electrolyte can be acidic (for example, dilute sulfuric acid inside a lead-acid cell) or basic (for example, potassium hydroxide inside a Ni-Cd cell). Neutralizer should be able to safely convert the electrolyte to a pH between 5.0 and 9.0. Neutralization should not be attempted without use of appropriate eye, nose, and mouth protection. Electrolyte can effervesce when it comes in contact with neutralizer, possibly causing splattering and atomization of some of the electrolyte. Electrolyte mist could then pose a hazard to personnel in the area, or in adjacent areas if the areas share the same ventilation system. Therefore, as a general rule, neutralization of large spills greater than 5 L should be absorbed and moved to a safely ventilated area. The decision about where to neutralize spills less than 5 L should be left to the judgment of trained members of the hazardous material spill response team. Minor spills less than 2 L can usually be neutralized where they occur. If neutralization of a spill occurs indoors,
4.4 Toxic vapors The potential for toxic gasses is present with some absorbent and neutralizing agents, along with the added risk of airborne particles. Any spill should be cleaned up as quickly as possible (by trained and authorized personnel), but only after ensuring there is no visible chemical reaction. 5. Battery descriptions 5.1 Lead-acid batteries A battery made up of lead-acid cells. The electrolyte concentration varies from 1.210s.g. to 1.330 s.g. The two general types of lead-acid batteries are as follows: a) Vented lead-acid (VLA), also known as“flooded cells” or“wet cells”” b) Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, sometimes called“recombinant’ or“starved electrolyte” batteries (sometimes incorrectly referred to as“sealed” or“maintenance-free”batteries) 5.1.1 Vented lead-acid (VLA) A cell in which the products of electrolysis and evaporation are allowed to escape to the atmosphere as they are generated. Among other materials, lead may be present in electrolyte. VLA battery containers are usually transparent so that the user can see the level of electrolyte for maintenance purposes. Flame-retardant battery container materials are available as an option.