Safety Precautions
1.5
Battery Hazards
Before working with batteries, the following are important points about battery safety that
you should be aware of:
• Batteries are always surrounded by extremely explosive gases. This is especially true when
the battery is being charged. To avoid explosion:
- Do not smoke near batteries.
-
Keep arcs, sparks and open flames away from batteries.
- Perform battery service work only in a well ventilated area.
• Make sure to dispose of batteries according to local regulations.
• Electrolyte Hazards:
NOTE:
The batteries on the machine may be either be “wet cell” or “gel cell”. It is still
important to know and follow these warnings and cautions.
Battery electrolyte in standard “wet cell” batteries contains sulfuric acid which is poisonous
and can cause severe chemical burns. To avoid personal injury:
- Wear a face shield to prevent sulfuric acid contact with your eyes.
-
Wear chemical resistant gloves and clothing to keep acid off your skin and clothing.
-
Since “wet cell” batteries give off explosive gases, use a flashlight to check the
electrolyte level, not an open flame such as a match.
- Never check the battery by placing a metal object across the battery posts. The resulting
spark could ignite anything flammable, causing fire or an explosion.
-
If electrolyte is splashed into your eyes, flush them immediately with clean water and
seek medical attention.
- If electrolyte is swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
-
If electrolyte is splashed onto exposed skin or clothing, flush and clean the area
immediately with clean water and seek medical attention if necessary.
Jump Starting/Battery Charging Hazards
Follow the instructions for jump starting or battery charging in the engine owner’s manual.
You must be at the operator’s platform when attempting to start the unit with booster batteries
and jumper cables so that you are at the controls when the engine starts.
Here are some general safety rules you must follow for jump starting the machine:
• Make sure to connect the positive jumper cable to the positive (RED) battery terminal.
• Connect the negative cable to the engine, machine chassis or the furthest ground point
away from the battery. Never make the final connection at the starter or dead battery.
Sparks may ignite the explosive gases surrounding the battery.
• When disconnecting cables after jump starting, remove the negative cable first and then
the positive cable.
NOTE
: DO NOT let the cable clamps touch when disconnecting them. Severe damage can
occur to the booster battery or machine.
• Never charge a battery or attempt to jump start a frozen battery. The sudden surge in
electrical power could cause the battery to explode.
