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By Emily Wilson•Last Updated May 8, 2025

Automotive Batteries: Understanding Their Hazard Classification and Safety Considerations

Understand hazard classifications for automotive batteries

Automotive batteries are essential components in vehicles, provide the necessary electrical power to start engines and operate various systems. Yet, these power sources contain chemicals that can pose significant risks if not handle right. This article explores the hazard classification of automotive batteries, focus on why they’re categorized as corrosive materials and what this mean for consumers and retailers like Walmart.

What hazard class do automotive batteries fall under?

Automotive batteries are classified under hazard class 8 corrosive materials accord to the department of transportatio(( do)) and the United Nations’ globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (gGHS) This classification apply to both new and use automotive batteries.

The class 8 designation indicate that these batteries contain substances that can destroy live tissue on contact or, in case of leakage, can materially damage or level destroy other goods or transport vehicles.

Why are automotive batteries consider corrosive?

The primary reason automotive batteries fall under the corrosive materials classification is their content of sulfuric acid. A typical lead acid battery, the nearly common type of automotive battery, contain:

Lead plates
Lead dioxide
Sulfuric acid electrolyte solution

The sulfuric acid electrolyte is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin, eyes, or other tissues. It can too corrode metals and other materials if leaked.

Hazard classification at retailers like Walmart

Major retailers like Walmart must adhere to specific regulations when sold, store, and dispose of automotive batteries due to their hazardous classification. When you’ll purchase or will return an automotive battery at Walmart, you will notice several safety protocols in place.

How Walmart handles automotive batteries

As a major retailer of automotive supplies, Walmart follow strict guidelines for battery handling:

Designated storage areas with proper ventilation
Employee training for safe handling procedures
Spill containment measures
Proper labeling accord to hazardous material regulations
Battery recycling programs

When you purchase a new battery at Walmart or similar retailers, you may notice warn labels indicate the corrosive nature of the product. These warnings are required by law due to the hazard classification.

Understand un numbers and proper shipping names

For transportation purposes, automotive batteries are identified by specific un numbers and proper shipping names:

Un2794: batteries, wet, fill with acid
Un2795: batteries, wet, fill with alkali (for alkaline batteries )
Un2800: batteries, wet, non-spillable

These designations help ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken during transportation and handling of these hazardous materials.

Safety risks associate with automotive batteries

Understand why automotive batteries are classified as corrosive materials help in recognize the potential hazards they pose:

Chemical burns

The sulfuric acid in lead acid batteries can cause severe chemical burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. Yet a small amount of battery acid can result in painful injuries that require immediate medical attention.

Respiratory issues

Battery acid vapors can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled. In enclose spaces with poor ventilation, these fumes can pose significant health risks.

Environmental contamination

Improper disposal of automotive batteries can lead to soil and water contamination. The lead and acid components are specially harmful to ecosystems, which is why proper recycling is essential.

Fire and explosion risks

Automotive batteries can generate hydrogen gas during charge, which is extremely flammable. Sparks near a battery can ignite this gas, potentially cause an explosion. This is why smoke or create sparks near batteries is powerfully discouraged.

Safe handling practices for automotive batteries

Give their hazard classification as corrosive materials, automotive batteries require careful handling:

Personal protective equipment (pPPE)

When handle automotive batteries, particularly if there be any risk of leakage, you should wear:

Chemical resistant gloves
Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles )
Protective clothing
Face shield for high risk situations

Proper lifting and carrying techniques

Automotive batteries are heavy, much weigh 40 pounds or more. To prevent both injury and acid spillage:

Lift with your legs, not your back
Use battery carry tools when available
Keep the battery upright to prevent electrolyte leakage
Avoid touch the terminals simultaneously with metal objects

Storage recommendations

Proper storage of automotive batteries is crucial for safety:

Store in cool, dry areas outside from direct sunlight
Keep in upright position
Ensure adequate ventilation
Store outside from flammable materials
Keep terminals cover to prevent short circuits

Battery recycling and disposal

Due to their hazard classification, automotive batteries should ne’er be disposed of in regular trash. Alternatively, they must berecyclede through proper channels.

Recycle at retailers

Most automotive battery retailers, include Walmart, autozone, and advance auto parts, offer recycling programs. Many provide incentives such as core charges or discounts on new battery purchases when you return your old battery.

The recycling process

When an automotive battery is recycle:

The battery case is break open in a hammer mill
The components are separate into different materials
The lead components are melted and refine for reuse
The plastic is process and repurpose
The acid is either neutralize or convert to sodium sulfate for detergents and other products

This process ensure that the hazardous materials are right contain and repurpose instead than contaminate the environment.

Emergency procedures for battery acid contact

Understand emergency procedures is crucial to give the corrosive nature of automotive batteries:

Skin contact

If battery acid contact your skin:

Remove contaminate clothing instantly
Flush the affected area with cool, run water for astatine least 15 20 minutes
Do not apply to neutralize chemicals as this may cause additional heat and damage
Seek medical attention, specially for larger areas of exposure

Eye contact

If battery acid get into your eyes:

Flush with cool, clean water for at least 15 20 minutes
Hold eyelids open during flush
Remove contact lenses instantly if present
Seek medical attention now, flush after thorough rinsing

Inhalation

If you inhale battery acid vapors:

Move to fresh air instantly
If breathing is difficult, seek emergency medical attention
Do not return to the area until right ventilate

Alternative battery technologies and their hazard classifications

While traditional lead acid batteries are classified as class 8 corrosive materials, newer automotive battery technologies may have different hazard classifications:

Lithium-ion batteries

Use in many electric and hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are typically classify as class 9 (miscellaneous dangerous goods ) Their primary hazards include:

Fire risk if damage or improperly charge
Potential for thermal runaway
Release of toxic gases if burn

Nickel metal hydride (nnigh)batteries

Find in some hybrid vehicles, these batteries mostly pose fewer hazards than lead acid batteries but however require proper handling and disposal.

Absorbed glass mat (aAGM)batteries

These are stock still lead acid batteries but are design to be spill proof. They remain in the class 8 corrosive category despite their safer design.

Regulatory framework for automotive battery safety

Several regulatory bodies oversee the classification, handling, and transportation of automotive batteries:

Department of transportation (dot ) regulates transportation of hazardous materials include batteries
Environmental protection agency (eEPA) oversees proper disposal and recycling
Occupational safety and health administration (oOSHA) sets workplace safety standards for handle batteries
Consumer product safety commission (cCPC))ensures consumer safety relate to battery products

These regulations ensure that from manufacture to disposal, automotive batteries are handle in ways that minimize risks to people and the environment.

Conclusion: respect the hazardous nature of automotive batteries

Automotive batteries serve an essential function in vehicles but require respect for their classification as class 8 corrosive materials. Understand this hazard classification help consumers and retailers like Walmart implement appropriate safety measures when handled, storing, transporting, and recycle these products.

By follow proper procedures for battery handling and disposal, we can minimize the risks associate with these necessary but potentially dangerous power sources. Remember that automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns and environmental damage if mishandled.

Whether you’re purchase a new battery at Walmart, jump start a vehicle, or recycle an old battery, invariably treat these power sources with the caution their hazard classification demands. Your safety and environmental protection depend on proper handling of these corrosive materials.