*Question T0A01:
Which of the following is a safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery?*  

*Correct Answer is  B: Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

The correct answer to the question about the safety hazard of a 12-volt storage battery is:

**B: Shorting the terminals can cause burns, fire, or an explosion.**

### Explanation of the Correct Answer:
- **Shorting the terminals** of a 12-volt battery creates a direct connection between the positive and negative terminals. This can lead to:
  - High current flow, which generates heat.
  - Potential for burns due to the heat produced.
  - Risk of fire if the heat ignites nearby materials.
  - Risk of explosion if the battery is sealed and gases build up due to excessive heat.

### Explanation of Incorrect Choices:
- **A: Touching both terminals with the hands can cause electrical shock.**
  - This is incorrect because a 12-volt battery is generally considered safe to touch. The voltage is low enough that it does not pose a significant shock hazard to humans under normal conditions.

- **C: RF emissions from a nearby transmitter can cause the electrolyte to emit poison gas.**
  - This is also incorrect. While RF emissions can cause some heating, they do not directly cause the electrolyte in a battery to emit poison gas. The main concern with batteries is the potential for hydrogen gas to be released during overcharging, but this is not related to RF emissions.

- **D: All these choices are correct.**
  - This is incorrect because not all the previous statements are true. Only choice B accurately describes a significant safety hazard.

### Useful Rules of Thumb:
- Always handle batteries with care to avoid short circuits.
- Use insulated tools when working with batteries to prevent accidental shorts.
- Ensure proper ventilation when charging batteries to avoid gas buildup.

By understanding these points, you can better prepare for questions related to battery safety on the Extra Class exam.