Sulfuric Acid; Batteries produce explosive gas.; WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES- Page 15

Battery Maintenance

27   Battery Maintenance

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Be sure the brake is applied and

the truck will not coast.  Check that all controls are in

neutral and disconnect the battery.

• 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 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 a gas 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 retainers are not in place.

Check both sides of the truck.  Make sure both retainers

are installed before operating your truck.

BRAKE MUST BE ON

Be sure the brake is applied before removing or installing

a battery.

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.

Continued next page...

BATTERY CHARGE METER OPTION

The lighted bar shows how much charge is left in your

battery.  A flashing light will warn you that the battery is

getting low.  Two flashing lights mean you must have the

battery changed or recharged.