Had a short where the battery positive was touching the chassis. This caused the battery to flatten in a very short period of time and it took me a couple of attempts to realise what was going on.

Anyway, after I had sorted it I put the battery on charge and when I came back the next day it had what I assume is battery acid on the top around the caps.

Is this normal or do I risk the battery blowing up in my face?

Cheers!
Dave

You're probably charging it too fast, try a trickle charger.

You might have damaged the battery with a direct short. The heat this generates can buckle the plates.

Cheers!

Any idea if it's dangerous? Seems to now be charged but I'm just a bit worried that it might blow up and cover me in battery acid...

Just avoid sparks! people often just unclip a charger, really needs to be off first so it doesn't spark. Its the hydrogen that explodes. A good breezy day makes things very safe, but I wouldn't worry in the slightest. Just be in a well ventilated area, don't light a fag and make sure all the car electrics are off before connecting up.
However, the battery may have damage and not last long now.....

Cheers! I normally switch the charger off before disconnecting but the car is in a nice cozy garage at the moment so might wait until it's outside before I connect it up...