Westerbeke BCGB Service Manual page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ACCIDENTAL STARTING
A
WARNING:
Accidental starting can cause Injury
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.
BAmRY 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 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.
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 mDnDxlde (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
installati~n
of approved detectors.
• For additional infonnation refer to ABYC T-22 (educa-
tional infonnation on Carbon Monoxide).
A
WARNING:
carbon mDnDxlde (CO) Is an Invisible
Ddorless gas. InhalatlDn produces flu-like symptDms,
nausea Df death!
• 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:
RDtatlng parts can cause Injury
Dr
death!
• 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.
Engines & Generators
ii