¤ WARNING: Failure to follow these safety precautions may lead to a serious accident. 7. PRECAUTIONS DURING OPERATION 7.4 BATTERY 1-23 BATTERY HAZARD PREVENTION Battery electrolyte contains dilute sulfuric acid and batteries generate hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is highly explosive, and mistakes in handling can cause serious injury or fire. To prevent problems, always do as follows. ‡ 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. ‡ 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. A0055090 A0055110 STARTING WITH BOOSTER CABLES If any mistake is made in the method of connecting the booster cables, it may cause fire. Always do as follows. ‡ Use two workers for the starting operation: one of these sits in the operator’s seat. ‡ When using another machine to start a problem machine, be careful not to let the normal machine and problem machine touch each other.
‡ When connecting the booster cables, turn the starting switches OFF on both the normal machine and the problem machine. ‡ Be sure to connect the positive + cable first when installing the booster cables. Disconnect the ground or negative - cable first when removing them. ‡ Finally, when connecting the ground cable to the frame of the upper structure, sparks will be caused, so be sure to connect it as far as possible from the battery. Starting with booster cables © See ”16.5 IF BATTERY IS DISCHARGED”. ‡ When removing the booster cable, be careful not to let the booster cable clips contact each other or let the clip contact the machine. INCORRECT A0067320