Protect
your eyes while jump-starting your battery
Thousands of emergency room eye injuries every year are the direct
result of automotive products such as antifreeze, cleaners, and chemicals. Of
these eye injuries, accidents associated with batteries and chargers accounted
for the highest total. Prevent Blindness America recommends that people take
extra precautions with their eyes when working on their vehicles. It’s a good
idea for professional mechanics as well as motorists, to wear safety goggles when
jump-starting vehicle batteries.
Vehicle
batteries usually contain sulfuric acid and produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.
"If the gases come into contact with a spark, flame or lighted cigarette,
the battery can explode, sending battery fragments and acid flying," said
Daniel D. Garrett, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) spokesperson.
PBA
suggests that if battery acid or any other chemicals splashes into your eye
flush it immediately with any 'drinkable' liquid on available, such as water,
milk, juice or any soft drink. Try not to panic, but remember that time is of
the essence, because the longer the acid stays in the eye, the greater the
chances of a serious corneal burn or blindness.
Source:
Prevent Blindness
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