23 | |
| Safety Section |
| Fire Prevention and Explosion Prevention |
Caterpillar recommends the following in order to minimize the risk of fire or an explosion related to the battery.
Do not operate a machine if battery cables or related parts show signs of wear or damage. Contact your Caterpillar dealer for service.
Follow safe procedures for engine starting with jump start cables. Improper jumper cable connections can cause an explosion that may result in injury. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Engine Starting with Jump Start Cables” for specific instructions.
Do not charge a frozen battery. This may cause an explosion.
Gases from a battery can explode. Keep any open flames or sparks away from the top of a battery. Do not smoke in battery charging areas.
Never check the battery charge by placing a metal object across the terminal posts. Use a voltmeter or a hydrometer.
Daily inspect battery cables that are in visible areas. Identify cables, clips, straps, and other restraints for damage. Replace these items if necessary. Look for signs of the following, which can occur over time due to use and environmental factors:
•Fraying
•Abrasion
•Cracking
•Discoloration
•Cuts on the insulation of the cable
•Fouling
•Corroded terminals, damaged terminals, and loose terminals
Replace damaged battery cable(s) and replace any related parts. Eliminate any fouling, which may have caused insulation failure or related component damage or wear. Ensure that all components are reinstalled correctly.
An exposed wire on the battery cable may cause a short to ground if the exposed area comes into contact with a grounded surface. A battery cable short produces heat from the battery current, which may be a fire hazard.
An exposed wire on the ground cable between the battery and the disconnect switch may cause the disconnect switch to be bypassed if the exposed area comes into contact with a grounded surface. This may result in an unsafe condition for servicing the machine. Repair components or replace components before servicing the machine.
Fire on a machine can result in personal injury or death. Exposed battery cables that come into contact with a grounded connection can result in fires. Replace cables and related parts that show signs of wear or damage. Contact your Caterpillar dealer.
Wiring
Check electrical wires daily. If any of the following conditions exist, replace parts before you operate the machine.
•Fraying
•Signs of abrasion or wear
•Cracking
•Discoloration
•Cuts on insulation
•Other damage
Make sure that all clamps, guards, clips, and straps are reinstalled correctly. This will help to prevent vibration, rubbing against other parts, and excessive heat during machine operation.
Attaching electrical wiring to hoses and tubes that contain flammable fluids or combustible fluids should be avoided.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for repair or for replacement parts.
Keep wiring and electrical connections free of debris.
Lines, Tubes and Hoses
Do not bend high pressure lines. Do not strike high pressure lines. Do not install any lines that are bent or damaged. Use the appropriate backup wrenches in order to tighten all connections to the recommended torque.
