Battery Safety; Danger Of Exploding Batteries; Safe Charging - Factory Cat MINI-MAG SERIES Service Manual

BATTERY SAFETY

DANGER OF EXPLODING BATTERIES

Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen.
Because self-discharge action generates hydrogen gas even when the battery is not in op-
eration. Make sure batteries are stored and worked on in a well ventilated area. ALWAYS
wear ANSI Z87.1 (U.S. Standard) approved safety glasses and face shield or splash proof
goggles when working on or near batteries.
Always wear proper face, eye and hand protection.
Keep all sparks, flames and forms of combustion away from the battery.
Never try to open a battery with non-removeable vents.
Keep removable vents tight and level except when servicing electrolyte.
Make sure work area is well ventilated.
Never lean over battery while boosting, testing or charging.
Exercise caution when working with metallic tools or conductors to prevent short circuits
and sparks.

SAFE CHARGING

Never attempt to charge a battery without first reviewing the instructions for the charger be-
ing used. In addition to the manufacturer's instructions, these general precautions should
be followed:
Always wear proper eye, face and hand protection.
Always charge batteries in a well ventilated area.
Keep vents tight and level.
Turn the charger and timer "OFF" before connecting the leads to the battery to avoid dan-
gerous sparks.
Never try to charge a visibly damaged or frozen battery.
Connect the charger leads to the battery; red positive (+) lead to the positive(+) terminal
and black negative(-) lead to the negative (-) terminal. If the charger is equipped with a
quick disconnect plug use that to connect it to the machine.
Make sure that the machine and all its accessories are turned off.
Make sure that the charger leads to the battery are not broken, frayed or loose.
Set the timer, turn the charger on and slowly increase the charging rate until the desired
charging rate is reached.
If the battery becomes hot, or if violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs reduce the
charging rate or turn off the charger temporarily.
Always turn the charger "OFF" or unplug it from the AC power before removing the char-
ger leads from the battery or disconnecting the quick disconnect plug to avoid dangerous
sparks.
Mini-Mag Service Manual V1.0
BATTERY SYSTEM
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