General Safety
8
Batteries (Where Present)
Batteries present a risk if they become
damaged by the possible leaking of
electrolyte. This electrolyte is an acid and can
cause serious burn injuries. Care should be
taken when working on or near them.
NOTE
the electrolyte may be in a liquid or gel form.
Should you come in to contact with electrolyte
you should;
• Remove all clothing contaminated with
electrolyte. If you cannot remove then saturate
them in water.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
You must advise the medical staff of the type
of acid.
• Lead/acid battery = dilute sulphuric acid.
• Nickel/cadmium = potassium hydroxide
alkali electrolyte.
• Use fresh running water to wash off excess
electrolyte, continue this until medical assis-
tance arrives. Make sure that you do not was
the electrolyte to another part of your body or
face.
• If electrolyte comes in to contact with Eyes
the electrolyte needs to be immediately
washed away with large amounts of water.
Make sure that you do not wash the electro-
lyte to another part of your face or body.
• Gasses from charging batteries are highly
flammable and great care should be taken to
charge in well ventilated areas.
• There is an explosion risk if the battery
terminals are short circuited, when
connecting/disconnecting ALWAYS exercise
great care so that the terminals or battery
leads are NOT allowed to touch and cause a
spark. ALWAYS use suitable insulated tools.
Vibrations (Where
Applicable)
• Prolonged use of hand held (operated)
machines will cause the user to feel the effects
of/from vibrations. These vibrations can lead
to white finger (Raynaud’s phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition
reduces the ability of the hand to feel and
regulate temperature, causing numbness and
heat sensations and may cause never damage
and circulatory tissue death.
• Not all factors that lead to white finger
disease are known, but cold weather, smoking
and other diseases that affect blood vessels
and blood circulation as well as large and
long-lasting impact of shocks are considered
factors in the formation of white finger. Note
the following to reduce the risk of white finger
and carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Wear gloves and keep your hands warm.
• Take regular breaks.
• All of the above precautions may help
reduce the risk of white finger disease but not
rule out the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Long-term and regular users are therefore
recommended to observe the condition of
your hands and fingers. Seek medical
attention immediately if any of the above
symptoms should occur.
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