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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Although all valve-regulated cells have the electrolyte immobilized
within the cell, the electrical hazard associated with batteries still
exists. Work performed on these batteries should be done with
the tools and the protective equipment listed below. Valve-
Regulated cell installations should be supervised by personnel
familiar with batteries and battery safety precautions.
WARNING: Risk of fire, explosion or burns. Do not disassemble,
heat above 40°C, or incinerate.
Protective Equipment
Although VRLA cells can vent or leak small amounts of electrolyte,
electrical safety is the principle but not the only concern for safe
handling. Per IEEE 1188 recommendations, the following minimum
set of equipment for safe handling of the cells and protection of
personnel shall be available:
1. Safety glasses with side shields, or goggles, or face shields
as appropriate. (Consult application specific requirements)
2. Electrically insulated gloves, appropriate for the installation.
3. Protective aprons and safety shoes.
4. Portable or stationary water facilities in the battery vicinity for
rinsing eyes and skin in case of contact with acid electrolyte.
5. Class C fire extinguisher.
6. Acid neutralizing agent.
7. Adequately insulated tools (as defined by ASTM F1505
"Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools)
8. Lifting devices of adequate capacity, when required.
Procedures
The following safety procedures should be followed during installa-
tion:
Always wear safety glasses or face shield when working on or
near batteries.
1. These cells are sealed and contain no free electrolyte. Under
normal operating conditions, they do not present any acid dan-
ger. However, if the cell jar or cover is damaged, acid could be
present. Sulfuric acid is harmful to the skin and eyes. Flush
affected area with water immediately and consult a physi-
cian if splashed
in the eyes. Consult SDS for additional precautions
and first aid measures.SDS sheets can be obtained at
www.eastpennmanufacturing.com
2. Prohibit smoking and open flames, and avoid arcing in the
immediate vicinity of the battery.
3. Do not wear metallic objects, such as jewelry, while working on
batteries. Do not store un-insulated tools in pockets or tool belt
while working in vicinity of battery.
4. Keep the top of the battery dry and clear of all tools and
other foreign objects.
5. Provide adequate ventilation (per IEEE standard 1187 and/or
local codes) and follow recommended charging voltages.
6. Never remove or tamper with the pressure relief valves.
Warranty void if vent valve is removed.
7. Inspect all flooring and lifting equipment for functional ade-
quacy.
8. Adequately secure battery modules, racks, or cabinets to the
floor.
9. Connect support structures to ground system in accordance
with applicable codes.
Procedures
continued
10. The IEEE Standards contain additional information.
Other standards may be relevant to your specific application.
IEEE 1184 – Guide for Batteries for UPS Systems
IEEE1187 – Recommended Practice for Installation Design of VRLA Batteries.
IEEE 1188 – Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, of VRLA Batteries.
IEEE 1189 – Selection of VRLA Batteries for Stationary Applications
RECEIVING & STORAGE
Receiving Inspection
Upon receipt, and at the time of actual unloading, each package
should be visually inspected for any possible damage or electrolyte
leakage. If either is evident, a more detailed inspection of the
entire shipment should be conducted and noted on the bill of
lading. Record receipt date, inspection data, and notify the carrier
of any damage.
Unpacking
1. Always wear eye protection.
2. Check all batteries for visible defects such as cracked con-
tainers, loose terminal posts, or other unrepairable problems.
Batteries with these defects must be replaced.
3. Check the contents of the package against the packaging list.
Report any missing parts or shipping damage to your East
Penn agent or East Penn Mfg. Co. immediately.
4. Never lift the batteries by the terminal posts.
5. When lifting batteries, the proper equipment is needed such as
a forklift or a portable crane. Always check the lifting capaci-
ties of the equipment being used and never lift more than one
cell at a time by the handles in the metal sleeve.
Storage / Refresh
Cells should be installed, and float charged upon delivery. If cells
are to be stored, the below requirements shall be followed.
1. Cells shall be stored indoors in a clean, level, dry, cool location.
2. Store, charge, and ship in horizontal position only.
3. Recommended storage temperature is 50°F (10°C) to
77°F (25°C). Acceptable storage temperature is 0°F (-18°C) to
90°F (32°C).
4. The cells shall be given a refresh charge at regular intervals as
detailed below:
0°F(-18°C) to 77°F (25°C)
Cells shall be charged by the "battery charge date"
marked on pallet.
Successive recharges shall be performed every 6 months.
78°F (26°C) to 90°F (32°C)
Cell voltage readings shall be taken monthly. Cells must be
given a refresh charge within 3 months from date of receipt or
if any cell voltage falls below 2.12 vpc, whichever occurs first.
Successive refresh charges shall be performed
every 3 months.
5. Whenever a refresh charge is required, it's important that all
batteries to be installed in the same series string receive a
charge at the same time to ensure continuity once placed in
their intended application.
6. Each cell shall be charged for 24 hours at a constant volt-
age equal to 2.40 volts per cell. To ensure the cells are fully
charged within 24hrs, the charger used for this refresh charge
must have the capacity to provide at least the minimum
charge current specification and not exceed the maximum
charge current for the given cell type (model), as called out in
Appendix C.
3
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