Sulfuric Acid; Batteries produce explosive gas.- Page 21

Battery Maintenance

39   Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL
OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Make sure the

parking brake is applied and all other controls
are in neutral.  Disconnect the batteries.

• Make certain you use the correct size and weight batteries.

Never operate a truck that has underweight or

  undersized batteries installed.

• Use a roller stand to install or remove batteries.  Make

sure the roller stand is the same height as the rollers in
the truck's battery compartment.  Also be certain the
roller stand is at least as long as your batteries.

• Never let anything metal touch the top of the cells.  You

could cause sparks or do damage to the batteries.  Use 
an insulator (such as plywood) when necessary.

• Use an approved spreader bar to place the batteries on,

or remove them from a stand.  Make sure you 
adjust the spreader bar hooks to fit the batteries.

AFTER INSTALLING BATTERIES

• Replace the battery retainer and side cover.

• Connect the batteries.  Turn the truck ON and check

truck operation.

Know the Hazards

Battery Maintenance   40

BATTERY SIZE

Make certain you use the correct size and weight batteries.
Never operate a truck that has underweight or undersized
batteries installed.

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Your truck batteries produce fumes that can explode.
 They also contain acid that could burn or disfigure you.
• Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your

truck batteries unless you are trained and authorized.

• Never smoke or use an open flame around batteries.
• Your company should provide an area where it is safe

to work on batteries.  Use that area for all battery work.

• Use protective equipment such as gloves, eye shields,

aprons etc.

BATTERY RETAINER

The batteries could slide out if the retainer is not in place.
Check before you operate your truck.

Continued next page...

107

Batteries produce explosive gas.
Do not smoke, use open flame, or
create an arc or sparks near this
battery.  Ventilate well in enclosed
areas and when charging.

Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid which
causes severe burns.  Do not get in
eyes, on skin, or clothing.  In case of
contact, flush immediately.  Get medical
attention if your eyes are affected.

 DANGER

Minimum battery size allowed

Undersize battery can affect truck
handling and stability.  You could have
an accident.

XXX

 mm 

(

XX

.

XX

 in.)

 wide

XXX

 mm 

(

XX

.

XX

 in.)

 long

Use U.L. classified Type EO battery.

WARNING