answer:Certainly you can replace the batteries in perfect safety. (I’m assuming that this is a commercial device of some kind with a UL – Underwriters’ Laboratory – on it in some place. That UL sticker is an indication that the product has been designed with consumer safety in mind, and as long as the assembly is in good shape, not broken, cracked, corroded, burnt, etc., then it’s “not going to hurt you”, even if it doesn’t still work.) If it’s a homemade device of some kind or if it’s damaged in any way, then I withdraw that comment about it being safe. It might still be, but it’s likely to be unsafe if it’s in a damaged condition. If the thing has this kind of battery starter, then I would doubt very much that it has a pilot light. It’s going to be one or the other, I think: electronic ignition OR pilot light, not both.