Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is one of the critical measures for safety when dealing with lead acid batteries?

1. Avoid any form of protective equipment

2. Ensure proper ventilation in the room

3. Keep the room temperature above 100°F

4. Restrict access to authorized personnel only

The correct answer is: Ensure proper ventilation in the room

Ensuring proper ventilation in the room is a critical safety measure when dealing with lead acid batteries due to the potential release of hazardous gases, such as hydrogen, during the charging process. Hydrogen is highly flammable and can create a risk of explosion if allowed to accumulate in confined spaces. Adequate ventilation helps to disperse any gases that may be released, thereby reducing the risk of fire or explosion and ensuring a safer working environment. The importance of ventilation is magnified in settings where multiple batteries are used or charged simultaneously, as the concentration of gases can increase significantly. Proper airflow ensures the maintenance of safe levels of any released gases while also contributing to a healthier environment for personnel who may be working nearby. In contrast, the other options present measures that would not promote safety. For instance, avoiding protective equipment puts workers at risk, while maintaining a room temperature above 100°F can also be hazardous to both personnel and equipment. Restricting access is important for certain situations; however, it primarily limits exposure rather than directly addressing the safety issues that arise from gas emissions. Therefore, focusing on proper ventilation effectively mitigates the primary hazards associated with lead acid batteries.