Emerson 250-400kVA manual Battery Safety Precautions

Maintenance

3.4.1Battery Safety Precautions

Servicing of batteries should be performed or supervised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and the required precautions. Keep unauthorized personnel away from batteries.

When replacing batteries, use the same number and type of batteries.

! WARNING

Risk of electric shock, explosive reaction, hazardous chemicals and fire. Can cause equipment damage, personal injury and death.

Lead-acid batteries contain hazardous materials. Batteries must be handled, transported and recycled or discarded in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Because lead is a toxic substance, lead-acid batteries must be recycled rather than discarded.

Do not dispose of battery or batteries in a fire. The battery may explode.

Do not open or mutilate the battery or batteries. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is toxic.

! WARNING

Risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. Can cause equipment damage, personal injury and death.

The following precautions must be observed when working on batteries:

•Remove watches, rings and other metal objects.

•Use tools with insulated handles.

•Wear rubber gloves and boots.

•Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of batteries.

•Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or disconnecting battery terminals.

•Determine whether the battery is grounded. If it is grounded, remove source of ground. Contact with any part of a grounded battery can result in electrical shock. The likelihood of such shock will be reduced if such grounds are removed during installation and mainte- nance.

Lead-acid batteries can present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen gas. In addition, the electrical connections must be protected against accidental short circuits which can cause sparks. The following procedures should be followed:

•DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries.

•DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.

•Discharge static electricity from body before touching batteries by first touching a grounded metal surface.

•After replacing battery jars in a battery cabinet, replace the retaining straps that hold the jars in place on the shelves. This will limit accidental movement of the jars and connectors should the cabinet ever need to be repositioned or relocated.

Regular maintenance of the battery module is an absolute necessity. Periodic inspections of battery and terminal voltages, specific gravity and connection resistance should be made. Strictly follow the procedures outlined in the battery manufacturer’s manual, available on the manufacturer’s Web site.

Valve-regulated lead-acid (sealed-cell) batteries do require periodic maintenance. Although mainte- nance of electrolyte levels is not required, visual inspections and checks of battery voltage and connec- tion resistance should be made.

NOTICE

Risk of equipment damage. Batteries should be cleaned with a dry cloth or a cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use cleaners on the batteries. Solvents can make the battery cases brittle.

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