Sulfuric Acid; Batteries produce explosive gas.; Minimum battery size allowed- Page 21

Battery Maintenance

39   Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Disconnect the battery.

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.

• 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.

• 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 on, or 

to remove it from a stand.  Make sure you adjust the 
spreader bar hooks to fit the battery.

AFTER INSTALLING YOUR BATTERY

• Replace the battery retainer.

• Make certain the battery retainer is properly adjusted to

prevent the battery from shifting.

• Connect the battery.  Turn the truck ON and check

truck operation.

Know the Hazards

Battery Maintenance   40

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.

BEFORE CHARGING YOUR TRUCK BATTERY

• See that the battery cells are filled to the proper level.

Never use an open flame to check the battery.

• Read the battery charger instructions and make certain

the charger is the same voltage and amperage as your 
battery.

• Be sure the charger is turned OFF before connecting the

battery to the charger.  Otherwise you might create a 
spark which could cause the battery to explode.

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.

BATTERY SIZE

Use the correct size and weight battery.  Never operate a
truck with an underweight or undersized battery installed.

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

BATTERY RETAINERS

The battery could slide out if retainers are not in place.
Check both sides of the truck.

Truck operation can be affected if the battery is able to
shift.  Make certain the battery retainers are properly
adjusted.