"Jim Land" wrote in message . 3.44...
wrote in news:1169348263.349379.159780@
51g2000cwl.googlegroups.com:

While attempting a home-charge of a set of NiCd batteries, they were
left unattended and consequently exploded (relatively high current was
flowing through them). The basement area in which the explosion took
place is currently being ventilated overnight.

Does anyone have any recommendations for further safety precautions or
clean-up procedures?

The chemicals you're dealing with in a typical Ni-Cad battery a

Nickel & Nickel Hydroxide
Cadmium & Cadmium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide
Cobalt Hydroxide

I would wear rubber gloves when cleaning this stuff up! Wipe down all
surfaces and rinse with water. Dispose of all cleaning materials.

The potassium hydroxide (35%) is the worst component
in NiCd batteries. Rinse splattered areas with as much
water as you can.