Safety Data Sheet
Lead-Acid Battery, Wet
Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)
Section 1 – Identification
Product Identifier:Lead-Acid Battery, Wet
Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)
Product Use:
Rechargeable Electrical Storage
General Info: 951-371-8090 (M-F, 9AM-5PM EST)
Contact: Health & Safety Department

Manufacturer:
U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company
Primary Addresses:
1675 Sampson Ave. Corona, CA 92879
1895 Tobacco Rd. Augusta, GA 30906
Emergency: US & Canada: 800-535-5053(INFOTRAC) International: +1-352-323-3500

Section 2 – Hazards Identification
2.1 - Classification
PhysicalExplosive:
Division 1.3

Notes:

HealthAcute Toxicity:
Category 41
Skin Corrosion:
Category 1A
Eye Damage:
Category 1
Carcinogenicity:
Category 1
Infertility:
Category 1
2
STOT :
Category 1

Environmental
Aquatic Hazard:
Acute 1Aquatic Hazard:
Chronic 1

1. Hazard Category 4 in oral, dermal, & inhalation.
2. Specific Target Organ Toxicity following single exposure.

2.2 – Label Elements

Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Statements
H203
Explosive; fire, blast, or projection hazard
H302/312/332 Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skinH314
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H350
May cause cancer if ingested or inhaled
H360
May damage fertility or unborn children if ingested or inhaled
H370
Damages organs (blood, central nervous system, kidneys) through prolonged/repeated exposure
H410
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
N/A
May form explosive gas (hydrogen) during charging

	  Precautionary Statements
P210
Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames & other ignition sources. No smoking.
P260
Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
P262
Do not get contents in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P270
Do not eat, drink or smoke when using (handling) this product.
P271
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P273
Avoid release to the environment.
P280
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301/330/331 IF SWALLOWED: Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth.
P303/361/353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Immediately take off all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water.
P304/340
IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P305/351/338
Remove contact lenses (if present & easy to do). Continue rinsing.
P310
Immediately call a POISON CENTER (in US: 800-222-1222) or doctor.
P391
Collect spillage.
P403
Store in a well-ventilated place.
P405
Store locked up.
P502
Refer to supplier for information on recovery or recycling.

Section 3 – Composition / Information on Ingredients
Ingredients
Elemental Lead (Pb); and the following inorganic compounds:Lead(IV) oxide (PbO2), also known as lead dioxide
Lead(II) sulfate (PbSO4)
Sulfuric Acid
AntimonyNotes:

CASRN1
7439-92-1
1309-60-07446-14-2
7664-93-9
7440-36-0% by Weight43-702
20-44
0.4-1.25

1. Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (i.e., CAS#)
2. Varies according to state of charge/discharge.

Section 4 – First-Aid Measures
Following inhalation

Sulfuric Acid: Remove to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificialrespiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Consult physician.
Lead: Remove from exposure, gargle, wash nose & lips. Consult physician.

Following skin contact Sulfuric Acid: Immediately rinse with a large amount of cool water. Rinsing within 1
minute of the burn can reduce risk of complications. Flush area for at least 20 minutes.
Do not use a hard spray of water, because it can damage burned area. As you flush thearea, take off any clothing or jewelry that has the chemical on it. Consult physician.
Lead: Avoid inhalation/ingestion. Wash affected area with soap & water for at least
60 seconds.
Following eye contact

Sulfuric Acid: Flush immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
while lifting eyelids. Seek immediate medical attention if eyes have been directly
exposed to acid.

Following ingestion

Sulfuric Acid: Do NOT induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water. Consultphysician.
Lead: Consult physician.
U.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)	  Page 2 of 7	  Section 5 – Firefighting Measures
Suitable extinguishingmedia

CO2; foam; dry chemical. Do not use carbon dioxide directly on cells.
Use appropriate media for surrounding fire.

Specific hazards

Hydrogen gas is generated during battery charging & operation. If ignited, batteries
may explode dispersing casing fragments & acid.

Special protectiveequipment &precautions

Avoid breathing vapors. Use positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus(SCBA). Beware of acid splatter during water application; wear acid-resistantclothing, gloves, face & eye protection.
Avoid all ignition sources. Do not allow metallic articles to simultaneously contact
negative & positive terminals of a battery.
If batteries are on charge, shut off power to charging equipment; but note thatseries-connected batteries may still pose risk of electric shock even when charging
equipment is shut down.

Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures
Personal precautions &protective equipment

Wear acid-resistant clothing, boots, gloves, & face shield.

Stop flow of electrolyte, contain/absorb small spills with dry sand, earth, orEmergency procedure,vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials. If possible, carefully neutralize spilledcontainment, & cleanup
electrolyte with soda ash, sodium bicarbonate, lime, etc.
Environmental
precautions

Dispose of as a hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulations.
Do not discharge un-neutralized acid to sewer; acid must be managed in accordancewith applicable regulations.

Section 7 – Handling & Storage

Precautions forsafe handling

Except during recycling operations, do not breach casing or empty contents of battery. Avoid
tipping, which may allow acid leakage. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Ifbattery case is broken, avoid contact with internal components. Keep vent caps on and cover
terminals to prevent short circuits. Place cardboard between layers of stacked batteries toavoid damage & short circuits. Keep away from combustible materials, organic chemicals,reducing substances, metals, strong oxidizers & water. Use banding or stretch wrap to secure
items for shipping.
There is risk of electric shock from charging equipment & strings of series-connectedbatteries, whether or not being charged. Shut off power to chargers whenever not in use andbefore detachment of any circuit connections. Batteries being charged will generate & releaseflammable hydrogen gas. Ventilate charging space. Prohibit smoking and avoid creation offlames & sparks nearby. Wear face & eye protection when near charging batteries.
Follow recommended maximum charging currents & operating temperature range.
Do not overcharge beyond recommended upper charging voltage limit.

Conditions forsafe storage

Store batteries under roof in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from incompatible materials& activities that may create flames, spark, or heat. Store on smooth, impervious surfaces
provided with measures for liquid containment in the event of electrolyte spill. Keep awayfrom metallic objects that could bridge battery terminals creating short-circuits. Neverrecharge batteries in an unventilated, enclosed space.
U.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)	  Page 3 of 7	  Section 8 – Exposure Control / Personal Protection

Control parameters

IngredientLead (Pb)
Lead(IV) oxide (PbO2)
Lead(II) sulfate (PbSO4)
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

CASRN7439-92-1
1309-60-07446-14-2
7664-93-9

LimitTWATWATWAPEL

Value
0.05 mg/m³
0.05 mg/m³
0.05 mg/m³
1 mg/m³Engineering controls

Store, handle, & charge in well-ventilated area. Ensure vent caps are secured. If battery
case is damaged, avoid contact with internal components. Do not allow metal tosimultaneously contact both positive & negative terminals of batteries.
Where sulfuric acid solutions are handled in concentrations > 1%, provide emergency
eyewash stations & showers with unlimited water supply. Chemically impervious apron& face shield are recommended when adding water or electrolyte to batteries.

Individual protection
measures

Wear protective clothing, including eye protection, when filling, charging, or handling
batteries. If battery case is damaged, use acid-resistant gloves with elbow-length
gauntlet, acid-resistant apron, clothing & boots. If necessary to handle damaged product(where exposure to electrolyte is a possibility), chemical splash goggles & face shield
are recommended.

Section 9 – Physical & Chemical Properties(a) Appearance(b) Odor(c) Odor threshold(d) pH(e) Melting point (lead plates)
Freezing point (electrolyte)(f) Initial boiling point & boiling range(g) Flash point(h) Evaporation rate(i) Flammability (solid, gas)(j) Upper/lower flammability/explosive limits(k) Vapor pressure (mm Hg @ 20°C)(l) Vapor density(m) Relative density (i.e., specific gravity)(n) Solubility(o) Partition coefficient:(p) Auto-ignition temperature(q) Decomposition temperature(r) Viscosity

Plastic encasement
Electrolyte is pungent (i.e., has a sharp odor).
Electrolyte (sulfuric acid): ~ 1 mg/m3 in air
Electrolyte (sulfuric acid): ~ 1
Lead: ~ 620°F
Electrolyte (approx.): -90°F (fully charged) 30°F (discharged)
Electrolyte (approx.): 203°F
Not applicable<1Flammable gas
Hydrogen in air: LFL/LEL = 4%; UFL/UEL = 75%
Partial pressure of sulfuric acid: 0.001
3.4
1.145 - 1.345
Electrolyte/Acid (100%); Lead (0%)
Not applicableNot applicableNot applicableNot applicable

U.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)	  Page 4 of 7	  Section 10 – Stability & Reactivity
Reactivity/Stability

Stable under normal conditions at ambient temperature.

Conditions to avoidIgnition sources; high temperature; overcharging.

Incompatible materials

Electrolyte (sulfuric acid): Contact with combustibles or organic material may cause
fire/explosion. May react violently with strong reducing agents, metals, sulfur trioxidegas, strong oxidizers, & water.

Hazardous
decomposition
products

Electrolyte (sulfuric acid): Contact with metal may produce toxic sulfur dioxide fumes
and may release flammable hydrogen gas.
Lead compounds: Temperatures above the melting point may produce toxic fumes.

Section 11– Toxicological Information
Under normal conditions/use, exposure to toxic material is not expected. The following information is provided
for acid or lead exposure that may occur due to container breakage or under extreme conditions such as fire.
Exposure Routes

Information

1. Inhalation

1. Sulfuric Acid: breathing vapors or mists may cause severe respiratory irritation. LeadCompounds: inhalation of dust/fumes may irritate respiratory tract & lungs.

2. Ingestion

2. Sulfuric Acid: severe irritation of mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach.
Lead Compounds: acute ingestion may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,diarrhea & severe cramping. A physician must treat this.

3. Skin

3. Sulfuric Acid: severe irritation, burns, & ulceration.
Lead Compounds: not absorbed through skin.

4. Eye4. Sulfuric Acid: severe irritation, burns, cornea damage, & blindness.
Lead Compounds: may cause eye irritation.

Symptoms ofoverexposure:
Acute/Chroniceffects

Acute effects
Sulfuric Acid: Severe skin irritation, damage to cornea, upper respiratory irritation.
Lead Compounds: Symptoms of toxicity include headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss ofappetite, muscular aches and weakness, sleep disturbances and irritability
Chronic effects
Sulfuric Acid: inflammation of nose, throat & bronchial tubes.
Lead Compounds: anemia; damage to blood-forming tissues; neuropathy (particularly ofmotor nerves); kidney damage; reproductive changes (males & females). Heavy exposure
may result in central nervous system damage.

Carcinogenicity

Sulfuric Acid: The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified strong inorganicacid mist containing sulfuric acid" as a Category I carcinogen. This classification does not
apply to liquid forms of sulfuric acid or sulfuric acid solutions contained within a battery.
Acid mist is not generated under normal use; however, misuse, such as overcharging, may
result in generation of sulfuric acid mist.
Lead Compounds: IARC lists lead as Group 2A - likely in animals at extreme doses. Per
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 App F, this is approximately equivalent to GHS Category 1B.

Toxicity

Sulfuric acid: LD50 = 2140 mg/kg (Rat); LC50 = 375 mg/m3 (Rat)
Lead: Acute Toxicity Estimate (ATE) = 500 mg/kg
Antimony: LD50 = 100 mg/kg (Rat)
U.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)	  Page 5 of 7

Section 12 – Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity

Sulfuric acid: 24-hr LC50 (freshwater fish): 82 mg/L
Lead: 48-hr LC50 (aquatic invertebrates): < 1 mg/L

Persistence &Degradability

Lead is very persistent in soil & sediments.
No data on environmental degradation.

Bioaccumulative
Potential

Bioaccumulation of lead occurs in aquatic & terrestrial animals & plants but little
bioaccumulation occurs through the food chain. Most studies include lead compounds
rather than elemental lead.

Mobility in Soil

Mobility of elemental lead between ecological compartments is slow.

Other adverse effects

No known effects on atmospheric ozone.

Section 13- Disposal Considerations

Reclamation / Recycle

Spent lead-acid batteries are completely recyclable (99% of all lead-acid batteries arerecycled) and should be reclaimed rather than disposed of as waste. Most retailers thatsell lead-acid batteries collect used batteries for recycling, as required by state laws.
Reclaimed lead-acid batteries are exempt from hazardous waste management
requirements in accordance with 40 CFR 266 Subpart G – Spent Lead-Acid Batteries
Being Reclaimed.
Otherwise, spent lead-acid batteries fall under Universal Waste Regulations of40 CFR 273 – Standards for Universal Waste Management.

Section 14 – Transport Information
UN numberUN2794

Proper shipping nameBatteries, wet, filled with acid, electric storage

Transport hazard classClass 8, Corrosive hazardous materials

Packing group

PGIII

Environmental hazards NoSpecial precautions

The following DOT transportation requirements do not apply to installed batteries.
49 CFR 173.159e regulates transport of wet spillable batteries:
When transported by highway or rail, electric storage batteries containing electrolyte
or corrosive battery fluid are not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter,
if all the following requirements are met:
(1) No other hazardous materials are transported in the same vehicle;(2) Batteries are loaded/braced so as to prevent damage & short circuits in transit;(3) Any other material loaded in the same vehicle is blocked, braced, or otherwise
secured to prevent contact with (or damage to) batteries; and(4) Transport vehicle carries only material shipped by the battery shipper.
If any requirements are not met, batteries must be shipped as hazardous materials.

U.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)

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Section 15 - Regulatory Information

US Federal

RCRA: Spent batteries are subject to reduced requirements when managed in compliance with40 CFR 266.80 or 40 CFR 273. If applicable; EPA hazardous waste numbers are D002(corrosivity) and D008 (lead).
EPA SARA Title III:
Section 302 EPCRA Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS): Sulfuric acid is a listed EHS
under EPCRA, with a Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) of 1000 lbs. EPCRA Section 302
notification is required if 500 lbs. or more of sulfuric acid is present at one site (40 CFR370.10). For more information consult 40 CFR Part 355.
Section 304 CERCLA Hazardous Substances: Reportable Quantity (RQ) for spilled 100%
sulfuric acid under CERCLA (Superfund) and EPCRA (Emergency Planning & Community
Right-to-Know Act) is 1000 lbs. State & local reportable quantities for spills may vary.
Section 311/312 Hazard Categorization: EPCRA Section 312 Tier II reporting is required for
non-automotive batteries if sulfuric acid is present in quantities of 500 lbs. or more or lead ispresent in quantities of 10,000 lbs. or more. For more information consult 40 CFR 370.10 and40 CFR 370.40.
Section 313 EPCRA Toxic Substances: 40 CFR Section 372.38(b) states: If toxic chemical ispresent in an article at a covered facility, a person is not required to consider the quantity of thetoxic chemical present in such article when determining whether an applicable threshold has
been met under 40 CFR’s 372.25,372.27, or 372.28 or determining the amount of release to bereported under 40 CFR 372.30. This exemption applies whether the person received the article
from another person or the person produced the article. However, this exemption applies only tothe quantity of the toxic chemical present in the article.
The reporting of lead and sulfuric acid (and their releases) in lead-acid batteries used in cars,trucks, most cranes, forklifts, locomotive engines, and aircraft for the purposes of EPCRA
Section 313 is not required. Lead acid batteries used for these purposes are exempt for Section
313 reporting per the "Motor Vehicle Exemption." See EPA’s Guidance Document for Lead &Lead Compound Reporting under EPCRA Section 313 for additional information.

California

Proposition 65 Warning: Battery posts, terminals, & related accessories contain lead & leadcompounds, chemicals known to California to cause cancer & reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to California to cause cancer. Wash hands after handling.

Section 16 - Other Information
SDS originally prepared: 10 September 2013.
SDS last revised (entire document): 23 March 2017.
NFPA Rating:

DOT Rating:Sulfuric AcidU.S. Battery Safety Data Sheet: Lead-Acid Battery, Wet, Electrolyte (Sulfuric Acid)

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