Westerbeke 20.0KW sbeg Operator's Manual page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BATTERY EXPLOSION
A
WARNING:
Battery explosion can cause injury
or
death!
• Do not smoke or allow an open flame near the battery
being serviced. Lead acid batteries emit hydrogen, a
highly explosive gas, which can be ignited by electrical
arcing or by lit tobacco products. Shut off all electrical
equipment in the vicinity to prevent electrical arcing dur-
ing servicing.
• Never connect the negative (-) battery cable to the posi-
tive
(+)
connection tenninal of the starter solenoid. Do
not test the battery condition by shorting the terminals
together. Sparks could ignite battery gases or fuel vapors.
Ventilate any compartment containing batteries to prevent
accumulation of explosive gases. To avoid sparks, do not
disturb the battery charger connections while the battery
is being charged.
• Avoid contacting the tenninals with tools, etc., to prevent
bums or sparks that could cause an explosion. Remove
wristwatch, rings, and any other jewelry before handling
the battery.
• Always tum the battery charger off before disconnecting
the battery connections. Remove the negative lead first
and reconnect it last when disconnecting the battery.
BATTERY ACIO
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WARNING:
Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause
severe injury
or
death!
• When servicing the battery or checking the electrolyte
level, wear rubber gloves, a rubber apron, and eye
protection. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is
destructive. If it comes in contact with your skin, wash it
off at once with water. Acid may splash on the skin or
into the eyes inadvertently when removing electrolyte
caps.
A
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas!
• Ensure that the exhaust system is adequate to expel gases
discharged from the engine. Check the exhaust system
regularly for leaks and make sure the exhaust manifolds
are securely attached and no warping exists. Pay close
attention to the manifold, water injection elbow, and
exhaust pipe nipple.
• Be sure the unit and its surroundings are well ventilated.
• In addition to routine inspection of the exhaust system,
install a carbon monoxide detector. Consult your boat
builder or dealer for installation of approved detectors.
A
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible
odorless gas. fnhalation produces flu-like symptoms,
nausea or death!
• Do not use copper tubing in diesel exhaust systems. Diesel
fumes can rapidly destroy copper tubing in exhaust
systems. Exhaust sulfur causes rapid deterioration of
copper tubing resulting in exhaust/water leakage.
• Do not install exhaust outlet where exhaust can be drawn
through portholes, vents, or air conditioners.
• Although diesel engine exhaust gases are not as toxic as
exhaust fumes from gasoline engines, carbon monoxide
gas is present in diesel exhaust fumes. Some of the
symptoms or signs of carbon monoxide inhalation or
poisoning are:
Vomiting Muscular twitching
Dizziness Intense headache
Throbbing in temples Weakness and sleepiness
AVOID MOVING PARTS
A
WARNING:
Rotating parts can cause injury
or death!
• Do not service the engine while it is running. If a
situation arises in which it is absolutely necessary to
make operating adjustments, use extreme care to avoid
touching moving parts and hot exhaust system
components.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when servicing
equipment; tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose
jackets, shirts, sleeves, rings, necklaces or bracelets that
could be caught in moving parts.
• Make sure all attaching hardware is properly tightened.
Keep protective shields and guards in their respective
places at all times.
• Do not check fluid levels or the drive belt's tension while
the engine is operating.
HAZARDOUS NOISE
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WARNING:
High noise levels can cause hearing
loss!
• Never operate an engine without its muffler installed.
• Do not run an engine with the air intake (silencer)
removed.
• Do not run engines for long periods with their enclosures
open.
A
WARNING:
Do not work on machinery when you are
mentally or physically Incapacitated by fatigue!
Engines & Generators
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