HUSTLER Sport General Service Manual page 9

Prepare For Emergencies
 Be prepared if a fire starts.
 Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguishers available.
 Keep emergency numbers for doctor, ambulance service,
hospital, and fire department near the telephone.
Prevent Battery Explosions
 Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
 Charge batteries in an open well-ventilated area, away
from sparks and flames. Unplug charger before connect-
ing or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective cloth-
ing and use insulated tools.
 Avoid skin and clothing contact with battery acid.
• Always wear eye protection when checking the battery,
acid can cause serious injury to skin and eyes. If con-
tact occurs, flush area with clean water and call physi-
cian immediately. Acid will also damage clothing.
• Do not drink the battery electrolyte.
• Do not allow open flame near the battery when charg-
ing.
• Hydrogen gas forms inside the battery. This gas is both
toxic and flammable and may cause an explosion if
exposed to flame. Always disconnect the negative
(black) battery cable(s) before disconnecting the posi-
tive (red) cable(s). Always connect the positive (red)
battery cable(s) before connecting the negative (black)
cable(s).
• Do not overfill battery.
• Electrolyte may overflow and damage paint, wiring or
structure. When cleaning the battery, use soap and
water. Be careful not to get soap and water into the bat-
tery. Clean the battery terminals with a solution of four
parts water and one part baking soda when they
become corroded.
108934
 Shorts caused by battery terminals or metal tools touch-
ing metal mower components can cause sparks. Sparks
can cause a battery gas explosion which will result in per-
sonal injury.
• Prevent the battery terminals from touching any metal
mower parts when removing or installing the battery.
• Do not allow metal tools to short between the battery
terminals and metal mower parts.
 Incorrect battery cable routing could cause damage to the
mower and battery cables. This can cause sparks which
can cause a battery gas explosion which will result in per-
sonal injury. Always disconnect the negative (black) bat-
tery cable(s) before disconnecting the positive (red)
cable(s). Always connect the positive (red) battery
cable(s) before connecting the negative (black) cable(s).
Avoid Acid Burns
 Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It is
strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in clothing and
cause blindness if splashed in eyes.
Avoid the hazard by:
• Filling batteries in a well-ventilated area.
• Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.
• Avoiding breathing fumes when electrolyte is added.
• Avoiding spilling or dripped electrolyte.
If you spill acid on yourself:
• Flush your skin with water.
• Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid.
• Flush your eyes with water for 10-15 minutes. Get
medical attention immediately.
If acid is swallowed:
• Drink large amounts of water or milk.
• Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable
oil.
• Get medical attention immediately.
2-3 REV E