Sulfuric Acid; Batteries produce explosive gas.- Page 16

Know the Hazards

Battery Maintenance   32

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Your truck battery produces fumes that can explode.
 It also contains acid that could burn or disfigure you.
• Do not try to install, remove, charge or service your

truck battery 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 RETAINERS MUST BE IN PLACE

The battery could slide out if all retainers are not in place.
Check that both retainers are installed before operating
your truck.

COAST SELECTOR MUST BE OFF

Be sure the coast selector is off and the brake is on before
removing or installing a battery.

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

Battery Maintenance

31   Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Check that all controls

are in neutral.  Disconnect the battery.  Be sure
the coast selector is off.

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

Never operate a truck that has an underweight or

  undersize battery installed.

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

could cause sparks or do damage to the battery.  Use an

  insulator (such as plywood) when necessary.

• Use an approved spreader bar to place a battery in, or  

remove it from, the battery compartment or roller stand.

  Make sure you adjust the spreader bar hooks to fit the 

battery.

USING A ROLLER STAND

• If you use a roller stand to install or remove a battery  

make sure the roller stand is the same height as the 
rollers in the truck’s battery compartment.  Also make 
sure the roller stand is at least as long as your battery.

AFTER INSTALLING YOUR BATTERY

• Replace the battery retainers.  Make certain the retainers

on both sides of the truck are in place.

• Connect the battery.  Turn the truck ON and check

truck operation.