Westerbeke 5.0KW BCG-60Hz Operator's Manual page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ACCIDENTAL STARTING
A
WARNING:
Accidental starting can cause injury
ordeathJ
• 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.
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 elect~ical
arcing or by lit tobacco products. Shut off all electncal
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 ~ould 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 charg0r connections while the battery
is being charged.
• Avoid contacting the terminals 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 whenservicing the battery.
BATTERY ACID
A
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 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 manifoldl
water-injected elbow is securely attached.
• Be sure the unit and its surroundings are well ventilated.
Run blowers when running the generator set or engine.
• Don't run the generator set or engine unless the
bo~t
is
equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoXlde
detector that complies with ABYCA-24. Consult your boat
builder or dealer for installation of approved detectors.
• For additional information refer to ABYC T-22
(educational information on Carbon Monoxide).
A
WARNING:
Carbon monoxide {CO} is an invisible
odorless gas. Inhalation 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 systt:ms.
Exhaust sulfur causes rapid deterioration of copper tubmg
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
symptoms or signs of carbon monoxide inhalation or
poisoning are:
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
AVOID MOVING PARTS
Inability to think coherently
Throbbing in temples
Muscular twitching
Weakness and sleepiness
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 operat-
ing adjustments, use extreme care to avoid touching mov-
ing parts and hot exhaust system components.
Engines & Generators
ii