Sulfuric Acid; Batteries produce explosive gas.- Page 15

Battery Maintenance

27   Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Check that all controls are

in neutral.

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

Never operate a truck that has an underweight or

  undersized 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 a 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.

Know the Hazards

Battery Maintenance   28

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.

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.

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