BATTERY 2.6 BATTERY 2.6.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR WORK ON BATTERIES q Electrolytic batteries contain sulphuric acid which can cause burns. It can also corrode clothing and make holes in it. If you inadvertently splash battery acid on yourself or on so- meone else, immediately wash the affected part with plenty of water. q Battery acid may cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. If acid accidentally gets into your eyes, wash them immedia- tely with plenty of water and consult a doctor right away.
RWA01060 q If you accidentally swallow battery acid, drink a large quanti- ty of water or milk, beaten egg white or vegetable oil and in any case antiacid substances like magnesia, bicarbonate, etc.; call a doctor or a poison treatment center immediately. WRONG q Always wear safety goggles when working on batteries. q Batteries produce hydrogen, which is highly explosive and can be easily ignited with small sparks or naked flames. q Before working with batteries, stop the engine and remove the ignition key. q Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals through acciden- tal contact with metal objects or tools or through the inver- sion of the terminals.
RWA01080 q Tighten the battery terminals securely. Loose terminals may generate sparks and even cause the explosion of the batte- ry. 2.6.2 STARTING WITH BOOSTER CABLES q When starting the machine with booster cables, always wear safety goggles. RWA01180 q When starting the engine by means of another machine, avoid any contact between the two machines. q Be sure to connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative or earth cable (-) when connecting the booster ca- bles. After the start, disconnect first the negative or earth (с) cable and then the positive cable (+). q Connect the batteries in parallel: positive to positive and ne- gative to negative.
q When connecting the earth cable to the frame of the machi- ne to be started, operate as far as possible from the battery. (See "3.15.3 IF THE BATTERY IS DEPLETED"). RWA01190 40