Westerbeke 5.0KW BCG-60Hz 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.
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 electrical
arcing or by lit tobacco products. Shut off all electrical
equipment in the vicinity to prevent electrical arcing
during servicing.
• Never connect the negative (-) battery cable to the
positive (+) 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
protection. 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/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.
• Do not run the generator set or engine unless the boat is
equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoxide
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
systems. 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
symptoms or signs of carbon monoxide inhalation or
poisoning are:
Vomiting Inability to think coherently
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Throbbing in temples
Muscular twitching
Weakness and sleepiness
AVOID MOVING PARTS
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 operating adjustments, use extreme care to avoid
touching movmg parts and hot exhaust system
components.
Engines & Generators
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