Westerbeke 4.5 BCG Operator's Manual page 4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ACCIDENTAL STARTING
A
WARNING:
Accidental starting
can
oaUStl ln/UfY
or death!
• Disconnect the battery cables before servicing the engine/
generator. Remove the negative lead first and reconnect
it last.
• Make certain all personnel
are
clear of the engine before
starting.
• Make certain all covers, guards, and hatches are re-
installed before starting the engine.
BAnERY EXPLOSION
A
WARNING:
Battsry t1xploslon oan caUSB 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 terminal 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 terminals with tools, etc., to prevent
burns 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.
BAnERYACID
A
WARNING:
Sulfuric acid In batteries oan cause
seveTB Injury or death! ·
• When servicing the battery or checking the electrolyte
level, wear rubber gloves, a rubber apron, and eye protec-
tion. 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.
TOXIC EXHAUST GASES
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.
• For additional information refer toABYC T-22 (educa-
tional information on Carbon Monoxide).
A
WARNING:
Carbon monoxidt1 (CO)
Is
an Invisible
odor/BSS
gas.
lnllalatlon prodllaes t/u-llkt1 symptoms,
nausea or dsath!
• Do not use copper tubing in diesel exhaust systems. Diesel
fumes
can
rapidly destroy copper tubing in exhaust sys-
tems. 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. If the engine
exhaust discharge outlet is near the waterline, water could
enter the exhaust discharge outlet and close or restrict the
flow of exhaust. Avoid overloading the craft.
• 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 symp-
toms or signs of carbon monoxide inhalation or poisoning
are:
Vomiting
Dizziness
Throbbing in temples
Muscular twitching
Intense headache
Weakness and sleepiness
AVOID MOVING PARTS
A
WARNING:
Rotating parts can oauss injury
or d1111th!
•
Do not service the engine while it is running. If a situa-
tion arises in which it is absolutely necessary to make
operating adjustments, use extreme care to avoid touch-
ing moving parts and hot exhaust system components.
l'W'IWESTERBEICE
f
Engines & Generators
ii