Saw this on a string of 40 series 12v batteries used on one of the hospital ups systems spilled out of the provided racks in a specially ventilated containment room and into the generator hallway for more capacity.
Reminding of the dangers of the release of hydrogen gas in and around possible spark source didn"t seem to phase anyone, concrete all white around the batteries and all sitting there humming, waiting............one day for sure.
If you had a mind to, you most likely could get their safety officer dismissed, possible reward?, doubt it. But civil men don't first do that sort of thing. No! We bang our heads on the wall trying to get the attention of somebody that donates a fecal nug, or better yet, someone in authority to make a work order and a competent crew to whom to give the order. I've often knocked myself unconscious with this method and have resolved to not dabble in error correction unless matter of life and death, and then only upon further consideration. Nope! If I can't get the Captain's attention because he is too busy drilling holes in the bottom of the boat, so as to drain it more rapidly, my time will be better spent searching for a viable flotation device. In earnest, I would probably be to a point of annoying trying to rectify the evidential presence of an explosive gas underneath a couple hundred living beings. Contrary to crutschow's opinion, I contend there is significant amounts of sulfuric acid and or hydrogen fumes released from zero-maintenance batteries to corrode the face of the concrete. Zero-maintenance considerably slow then flooded lead acid cells, which I remember being used in the lab's UPS. Nontheless, It is my understanding that lead acid cells demand venting. Consider the temp at which electrolyte vaporizes and at what temp those fumes condense to liquid, and you are virtually sprinkling droplets of sulfuric acid on all adjacent surfaces. Bluejets, if you can peruse that area again, look for a forced air vent system. Wouldn't take much to rinse away such a slow drip of fumes and screw the concrete. That's why we use crete. It's durable. I suggest making a holder to hold litmus test strip. Strip should be 3/4" to !" above floor. If no acidic indication on strip in 24 hours, rest easy, until vent system shuts off. If litmus strip turns high acid content before you finish setting it down, run away like hell in a hysterical manner screaming madly, or tell someone with a vested interest about the possible consequences of the situation.