A FLAT car battery always happens when motorists least expect it.
Whether the battery is at the end of its lifespan or it’s drained because the lights or radio were left on too many times, at some point all motorists will have to replace their car battery.
“When a quality car, bike or truck battery is correctly fitted and maintained, it could last more than five years,” said franchise manager at Battery Centre, Jason Ravenscroft.
“There are a lot of variables that impact the life of a vehicle battery, and our customer research proves that about 30% of cars need a new battery each year,” he said.
While flat and faulty batteries are an inconvenience and many motorists may feel tempted to replace them themselves, there are dangers to handling a battery.
“If you don’t have the right tools, expert knowledge, or follow the correct safety measures when replacing a flat battery, you can risk serious injury,” said Ravenscroft.
Here are the safety and health risks of handling car batteries:
1. Fire and explosions
Batteries may contain flammable hydrogen gas that can ignite from matches, cigarette lighters or sparks from short circuits caused by spanners or connecting jumper cables incorrectly.
2. Serious injury
All batteries contain sulphuric acid that can cause burns, irritation, and blindness, and if the fumes are inhaled, can be harmful to the lungs and mucous membranes.
3. Injury from battery weight
Some batteries are heavy and need to be lifted using the right handling equipment. Lifting them by hand can cause muscle strain or spinal injury.
