Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery?

• A. Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion
• B. It can leak toxic acid
• C. It can overheat without warning
• D. It can operate without ventilation

Answer: (A)

Shorting the terminals of a 12-volt storage battery represents a significant safety hazard due to the potential for severe consequences. When the terminals are shorted, it can lead to an immediate and uncontrollable flow of current, causing the battery to overheat. This overheating can result in burns, fires, or even explosions, particularly if the battery contains lead-acid materials, which can release explosive gases (like hydrogen) under certain conditions.

While leaking toxic acid, overheating without warning, and operating without ventilation are also important safety considerations, the immediate danger associated with shorting the terminals—resulting in burns, fire, or explosions—highlights the critical nature of this specific hazard when handling batteries. Recognizing and avoiding this risk is essential for safe operation and handling of 12-volt storage batteries in various applications.