[techhelpbb]

I often see people using chargers that make lots of claims about overcharging this and that but I have lots of experience with batteries (built electric vehicles and computer room battery backups). I rarely trust a battery charger I either haven't got extensive historical data or at least a complete schematic and source code for.

I have lots of wet maintenance free batteries around. I check them for temperature and any signs of leakage and if possible collect any data I can for their behavior often. The real important thing is to not have these things spraying acid everywhere because that might just be the start of your troubles.

All in all after doing FIRST on and off for 20 years I think the battery selection for FIRST is adequately safe. Though it wouldn't surprise me to see an occasional issue here and there.

As others have pointed out, once you recognize you have a battery in a bad state it is important you dispose of it not leave it laying about. You don't want someone happening upon it later and compounding the safety issue.