Short circuit inspection method for battery and method of manufacturing batteries

In a method of inspecting batteries for short circuit failures, an electrode plate group (1) composed of positive and negative electrode plates (2, 3) with intervening separators (4) interposed therebetween is set on a pressing station (7), where it is compressed during short-circuiting inspection is performed, for simulating a state wherein separators are compressed by swelling electrode plates (2, 3) during charging and discharging of battery.