Battery Maintenance 30; 29 Battery Maintenance; Battery Maintenance- Page 16

Battery Maintenance   30

29  Battery Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

Know the Hazards

WHEN YOU INSTALL OR CHANGE BATTERIES

• Turn the truck OFF.  Brake applies automatically when  

  truck is turned OFF.  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 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 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.

TRUCK BATTERIES CAN BE DANGEROUS

Your truck battery produces 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 that both retainers are installed before operating 

your truck.

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