3 Protect Yourself; Protect Yourself; Sulfuric Acid- Page 4

3 Protect Yourself

Protect Yourself

Know the Hazards

WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT

Falling from a truck can cause serious injury or even 
death.

• Fasten your seat belt before operating your truck. 

Keep it fastened until you leave the truck.

• Stay with your truck. Don't jump from an overturning 

or falling center-control rider truck. 

Note:

 This 

is not like end-control rider trucks, where it is 
recommended that the operator exit the truck in 
these emergencies.

DRIVE CAREFULLY

• Never stick your foot, hand, head or any part of your 

body outside the operator area, no matter how slow 
the truck is moving. Anything caught between the 
truck and a fixed object will be crushed or even 
cut off.

• Stay away from the edge of docks and ramps. Make 

sure dockboards are secure. Check that trailer 
wheels are chocked. You could be seriously injured 
or even killed in a fall from a dock or dockboard.

• Keep your truck under control at all times. Drive at a 

speed that allows you to stop safely. Be even more 
careful on slippery or uneven surfaces. Do not drive 
over objects on the floor.

LOOK WHERE YOU'RE DRIVING

• Always be alert to the area around you and watch 

where you are driving. You could be pinned or 
crushed by objects intruding or poking into the 
operator area.

• Be sure that any equipment added to the truck
  (terminal, fan, clipboard, etc.) does not block your
  vision or interfere with safe operation of this truck.

Know the Hazards

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS 

Your truck battery produces gas that can explode. It 
also contains acid that could burn or disfi gure 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 fl ame 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. when working on batteries.

BATTERY RETAINER MUST BE IN PLACE

The battery could slide out if the retainer is not in 
place. Check that the retainer is installed and secure.

BATTERY SIZE AND WEIGHT IS IMPORTANT

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

BEFORE CHARGING YOUR TRUCK BATTERY

• See that the battery cells are fi lled to the proper 

level. Never use an open fl ame to check the 
batteries.

• Check that the charger is the same voltage and 

amperage as the battery. Read the battery charger 
instructions.

• Be sure the charger is turned OFF before connecting 

the battery to the charger. Otherwise a spark could 
cause the battery to explode. Also, make sure the 
truck key switch is turned off and all controls are in 
neutral.

Minimum battery size allowed

000 mm 

(00.00 in.)

 wide

000 mm 

(00.00 in.)

 long

Undersize battery can affect truck

handling and stability. You could have
an accident.
Use U.L. classified Type EO battery.

WARNING

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   40