Spills - Lexus GS450h Dismantling Manual

Spills

The GS450h contains the same common automotive fluids used in other non-hybrid Lexus vehicles,
with the exception of the NiMH electrolyte used in the HV battery pack. The NiMH battery electrolyte
is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. The electrolyte, however, is absorbed
in the cell plates and will not normally spill or leak out even if a metal battery module is cracked.
A catastrophic crash that would breach both the metal battery pack case and a metal battery module
would be a rare occurrence.
A caustic alkaline is at the opposite end of the pH scale from a strong acid. A safe (neutral) substance
is approximately in the middle of this scale. Adding a weak acidic mixture, such as a dilute boric acid
solution or vinegar, to the caustic alkaline electrolyte will cause the electrolyte to be neutralized. This
is similar but opposite to the use of baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill.
A Lexus Product Safety Data Sheets (PSDS) is attached to this document.
•
Handle NiMH electrolyte spills using the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
•
Splash shield or safety goggles. A fold down face shield is not acceptable for acid or
electrolyte spills.
•
Rubber, latex or nitrile gloves.
•
Apron suitable for alkaline.
•
Rubber boots.
•
Neutralize NiMH electrolyte.
•
Use a boric acid solution or vinegar.
•
Boric acid solution - 800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water or 5.5 ounces boric acid to 1
gallon of water.
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