SAFETY Hazards Danger of Battery Exploding Batteries generate flammable hydrogen gas. If the gas ignites, it may explode and cause serious injury or fire. Any mistake in handling may cause serious personal injury, explosion, or fire, so always observe the following. Keep all sparks, flame and cigarettes away from the battery. Do not wipe the battery with a dry cloth as this may result in static electricity, which could result in a fire or explosion. DO NOT use or charge a battery if the electrolyte is below the LOWER LEVEL mark. Check the electrolyte level periodically and add distilled water only to the UPPER LEVEL mark, when required.
When charging the battery, remove it from the machine and take it to a well-ventilated area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe charging. Unplug the charger and remove the cables. See “Using Booster Cables” on page 1-47 for information about jump starting batteries. Danger of Sulfuric Acid Battery electrolyte includes sulfuric acid. If sulfuric acid gets on your skin or in your eyes, you may suffer serious injury. Always do the following when handling batteries. ALWAYS wear protective goggles and rubber gloves. Work in well-ventilated areas. Do not inhale sulfuric acid mist.
Swallowing electrolyte may cause severe burns to the respiratory and digestive tract, and fatal or harmful lead poisoning. If battery electrolyte gets into your eyes: Immediately wash your eyes with a large amount of fresh water for at least 15 minutes. Be sure to wash behind your eyelids. Get immediate medical attention. If battery electrolyte gets on your skin or clothes: Immediately wash it off with a large amount of water. Do not use any alkaline fluid as a neutralizer. If you suffer any chemical burn, get immediate medical attention. Wash hands after handling. Do not allow electrolyte to enter sewers or waterways.
Dispose of materials in accordance with local, state or federal regulations. Danger of Sparks If sparks are generated, they may fly and cause serious personal injury. DO NOT short-circuit the battery terminals through contact with metal objects, such as tools across the terminals. DO NOT leave tools lying around near the battery. Loose terminals may generate sparks and cause the battery to explode. Check that the battery terminals are secure. When removing the battery cables, remove the ground cable (negative (-) cable) first. When installing battery cables, connect the positive (+) cable first. Secure the battery firmly in the specified position. 1-46 WA430-6