Mercury Batteries-Explosion
Hazard
in concrete walls whenthese batteries were exposed to flames. Prolonged short circuits are also reported to be a cause of explosions. The cell, while being shorted, increases its internal temperature, vaporizing the mercury and building up enough pressure to rupture the cell. Care should be taken not to discard spent mercur cells where they may he exposed to flame. They will rupture and expose person8 to flying shrapnel and toxic mercury vapors. Cells should be stacked in such a. manner that short circuitiig across the positive and negative terminals is prevented. After removing batteries from equipment, place tape across the end terminal to prevent accidental short circuits.
M n s s n c a n s ~ l INSTITIITE ~s OX. TECHNOI,OGY Safetalk
Volume 47, Number 9, September 1964
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