ATTENTION APC UPS USERS! (could apply to other UPS batteries!)

I thought it was only responsible of me to follow up on this question after REAL EXPERIENCE which could have been FATAL!

This question is right on topic with a recent event this week, where I've spent the night in hospital!.

Red Light on Smart UPS 2200

After suffering the effects of Respiratory irritation caused by inhaling toxic gases in the datacentre.

One or Two APC 3000 UPS failed in the datacentre, with battery faults, the gas possible Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) filled the closed datacentre with possibly Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).

I only open the door, and walked in for exposure for what could have been more than 10 seconds, it was enough to overwhelm me causing headache for the rest of the afternoon, nausea, coughing and later breathlessness after advice from "NHS 111 Online" I went to Accident and Emergency, where they wired me up to ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure monitors, took blood samples every hour for testing, and oxygen and nebuliser.

I was discharged after 12 hours, being advised to rest, take it easy and the exposure and irritation should get better over 48 hours.

I'm still feeling tired, cough is getting better, but still my chest still feels very heavy which I'm told is the inflammation of the lungs,

My recommendation should you have a battery light is to isolate from the Power Supply Immediately.

e.g. turn off and discard the unit. open all windows, and vent the building, or call the Fire Services for advice, do not enter the building. H2S is toxic!

Furhter info here on H2S

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_sulfide

http://njnnetwork.com/2010/03/your-ups-battery-backu-may-be-killing-you/