batt explosion

I had a 65 Fairlane when I was younger that a friend and me were jump starting, it exploded but luckily no one was injured. I've had battery acid in my eyes so I know what it feels like, and have an had M-80 blow up beside me in my Blazer once. The stupid things I used to do.

 

I used to work for a forklift company and a guy working next to me on a 36 volt lift truck was using a torch and passed the flame over the top of the battery and all 18 caps went about 30 feet in the air sounded like a howatzer going off. If you never seen a fork lift battery they average about 2,000 lbs

 

These are lead-acid batteries, and the biproduct is hydrogen gas -- very explosive, same stuff that burned up the Hindenberg in 1937 at Lakehurst, NJ. Look it up; they got it on film.

Several guys made GREAT safety points here, and I think the FIRST should be: Don't take batteries lightly! Dangerous.

Take the time to put on goggles before doing anything with a battery.

Know the safest jump-starting procedure ('cause everybody needs to jump a battery now and then.

Loosen the caps to vent gas when using a charger (all of them will loosen, even the ones called "sealed"). If you need to add water, use distilled water -- cheap & won't corrode up the plates.

Put your face over the battery as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE (as in hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst).

Take time to fill a plastic bucket with clear water, so you can flush your eyes quickly in the event of an explosion.

I usually charge batteries only on low, not fast charge, to minimize gas.

A co-worker of my dad had a battery blow up in his face and was legally blind the rest of his life. A few safety measures go a long way. Let's stay alive to enjoy the hobby!

 

Batteries explode sometimes. Gas tanks will too. Bad combination to have them close together. Not mine.

 

any battery can blow, I have seen way more side post explosions. Still have'nt found the top off that last one

 

I was working in a gas station as a teen and a lady came in to have her battery checked . The so called night mechanic looked to see if there was any water in the battery . Couldn't see a thing , so he went to get some water for the battery . I was looking at the battery and it got so hot from the alt. overcharging the sides were bulging out and very hot to the touch . Anyway , the mechanic came back to fill the battery and I told him about the battery being "cooked" , he told me I didn't know what I was talking about . So I quickly left before he started to fill the battery with fresh COLD water . Well the explosion was one to remember . It also put a nice big dent in the front fender too . The so called night mechanic had his glasses on and I think he would have lost his eye site if he didn't have them on .

RetroJim