Final answer:
Proper protective gear, including safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing, should be worn when working around batteries to protect against chemical and electrical hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
When working around batteries, it is crucial to wear appropriate protective gear to guard against the hazards they present. Lead storage batteries, for example, contain both lead and sulfuric acid, which are dangerous substances that should not come into contact with skin or eyes.
For adequate protection, one should wear safety goggles to protect against acid splashes, chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact, and aprons or lab coats to protect clothing and skin from spillage. Additionally, since batteries can present an electrical hazard, insulated shoes are recommended to protect against electric shocks.
In environments where cadmium or other toxic elements are present, additional respiratory protection may be required, in accordance with regulations such as Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Union. It's also important to follow safety guidelines for laboratories, which outline the use of protective equipment when working with hazardous materials like batteries.