WARNING: For reasons of safety, always follow these safety precautions. 7. PRECAUTIONS DURING OPERATION 7.4 BATTERY PC450-ENG 1-16 BATTERY HAZARD PREVENTION • Battery electrolyte contains sulphuric acid and can quickly burn the skin and eat holes in clothing. If you spill acid on yourself, immediately flush the area with water. • Battery acid could cause blindness if splashed into the eyes. If acid gets into the eyes, flush them immedi- ately with large quantities of water and see a doctor at once. • If you accidentally drink acid, drink a large quantity of water or milk, beaten egg or vegetable oil. Call a doctor or poison prevention centre immediately. • When working with batteries.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses or goggles. • Batteries generate hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is very EXPLOSIVE, and is easily ignited with a small spark or flame. • Before working with batteries, stop the engine and turn the starting switch to the OFF position. • Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals through accidental contact with metallic objects, such as tools, across the terminals. • When removing or installing, check which is the positive (+) terminal and negative (-) terminal. • Tighten the battery cap securely. • Tighten the battery terminals securely. Loosened terminals can generate sparks and lead to an explosion.
• When removing battery cap wear rubber groves to prevent electrolyte contact with skin. BATTERY HAZARD PREVENTION STARTING WITH BOOSTER CABLES • ALWAYS wear safety glasses or goggles when starting the machine with booster cables. • When starting from another machine, do not allow the two machines to touch. • Be sure to connect the positive (+) cable first when installing the booster cables. Disconnect the ground or negative (-) cable first when removing them. • If any tool touches between the positive (+) terminal and the chassis, it will cause sparks. This is dangerous, so be sure to work carefully. • Connect the batteries in parallel: positive to positive and negative to negative.
• When connecting the ground cable to the frame of the machine to be started, be sure to connect it as far as possible from the battery. Starting with booster cables n See 16.5 “IF BATTERY IS DISCHARGED.” INCORRECT STARTING WITH BOOSTER CABLES