022-00029AE Operation and Maintenance Manual
Safety 1-39
BATTERY
BATTERY HAZARD PREVENTION
Battery electrolyte contains diluted sulfuric acid and batteries generate hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is
highly explosive, and mistakes in handling them can cause serious injury or fire. To prevent problems,
always do the following;
•
Do not smoke or bring any flame near the battery.
•
When working with batteries, ALWAYS wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.
•
If you spill battery electrolyte on yourself or your clothes, immediately flush the area with water.
•
If battery electrolyte gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with large quantities of water
and see a doctor at once.
•
If you accidentally drink battery electrolyte, drink a large quantity of water or milk, raw egg or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor or poison prevention center immediately.
•
When cleaning the top surface of the battery, wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. Never use
gasoline, thinner, or any other organic solvent or detergent.
•
Tighten the battery caps securely.
•
Explosive battery gas can be set off by sparks from incidental contact or static discharge. Turn
"OFF" all switches and engine when working on batteries. Keep battery terminals tight. Contact
between a loose terminal and post can create an explosive spark.
•
If the battery electrolyte is frozen, do not charge the battery or start the engine with power from
another source. There is danger that the battery may catch fire.
•
When charging the battery or starting with power from another source, let the battery electrolyte
melt and check that there is no leakage of battery electrolyte before starting the operation.
•
Always remove the battery from the machine before charging.
DISCONNECT BATTERIES BEFORE ELECTRICAL SERVICE OR ELECTRICAL WELDING
Remove cable to negative terminal first when disconnecting cable. Connect positive terminal cables first
when installing a battery.
Figure 34
