Battery maintenance

1. Cell tops must be kept clean and dry in order to reduce the risk of corrosion and electrical leakage.
2. Terminals should be kept tight, clean and free of any deposits. The connectors can be coated with petroleum jelly.
3. The cables should be examined from time to time for signs of corrosion.
4. Electrolyte level should be checked and topped up with distilled water to cover the electrodes.
5. Gas vent in the cells should be kept free from blockage by dirt or in case of alkaline batteries from crystallized electrolyte. 
6. Pure distilled water should only be used for topping up.
7. Specific gravity should be measured and temperature correction should be applied.
8. A weekly log of critical parameters to be maintained. 
9. Voltage reading of each cell should be taken while the current is actually flowing. [the voltage of battery on an open circuit is however rather misleading]
10. First aid treatment should be understood and first aid equipment must be available at all times.