Hitachi ZX 38U-5A Technical Manual page 40

Prevent Battery Explosions
 Battery gas can explode.
 Keep sparks, lighted matches, and flame away from the
top of battery.
 Never check battery charge by placing a metal object
across the posts. Use a voltmeter or hydrometer.
 Do not charge a frozen battery; it may explode. Warm the
battery to 16 °C (60 °F) first.
 Do not continue to use or charge the battery when the
electrolyte level is lower than specified. Explosion of the
battery may result.
 When a terminal becomes loose, it may induce sparks.
Securely tighten all terminals.
 Connect terminals to the correct electrical poles. Failure
to do so may cause damage to the electrical parts or fire.
 Battery electrolyte is poisonous. If the battery should
explode battery electrolyte may be splashed into eyes,
possibly resulting in blindness. If electrolyte is splashed into
eyes, flush your eyes continuously with water for about 15
minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
 Be sure to wear eye protection when checking electrolyte
specific gravity.
Precautions for Handling Refrigerant
 If refrigerant is splashed into eyes or spilled onto skin,
blindness or a cold contact burn may result.
 Refer to the precautions described on the refrigerant
container for handling refrigerant.
 Use a recovery and recycling system to avoid venting
refrigerant into the atmosphere.
 Never allow the skin to directly come in contact with
refrigerant.
SAFETY
SA-34
SA-032
SA-405