Exide PAR20 manual General, Safety Messages, Sulfuric Acid Burns, Explosive Gases

SECTION 1: GENERAL

1.0 General Information

CAUTION!

Before proceeding with the unpacking, handling, instal- lation and operation of this sealed lead-acid storage battery, the following information should be reviewed thoroughly. The safety procedures should be strictly adhered to when working with Absolyte GX batteries.

SECTION 2: SAFETY MESSAGES

2.1 Sulfuric Acid Burns

DANGER!

SULFURIC ACID BURNS

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause burns and other serious injury. In the event of contact with sulfu- ric acid, flush immediately and thoroughly with water. Secure medical attention immediately.

When working with batteries, wear rubber apron and rub- ber gloves. Wear safety goggles or other eye protection. These will help prevent injury if contact is made with the acid.

2.2 Explosive Gases

DANGER!

EXPLOSIVE GASES

Hydrogen gas formation is an inherent feature of all lead
acid			batteries.
Absolyte GX VRLA batteries, however, significantly
reduce hydrogen formation. Tests have shown that 99%
or more of generated gases are recombined within the
cell under normal operating conditions. Under abnormal
operating conditions (e.g. charger malfunction), the safe-
ty valve may open and release these gases through the
vent. The gases can explode and cause blindness and
other serious injury.
Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from
the battery area and the explosive gases.
All installation tools should be adequately insulated to
minimize the possibility of shorting across connections.
Never lay tools or other metallic objects on modules as
shorting, explosions and personal injury may result.
2.3	Electrical Shock and Burns		HIGH VOLTAGE…
		DANGER!	DO NOT TOUCH
ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND BURNS			RISK OF SHOCK.
			TERMINALS OR
			UNINSULATED	6
			CONNECTORS.

Multi-cell systems attain high voltages, therefore, extreme caution must be exercised during installation of a battery system to prevent serious electrical burns or shock.

Interrupt the AC and DC circuits before working on batteries or charging equipment.

Ensure that personnel understand the risk of working with batteries, and are prepared and equipped to take the nec- essary safety precautions. These installation and operating instructions should be understood and followed. Assure that you have the necessary equipment for the work, including insulated tools, rubber gloves, rub- ber aprons, safety goggles and face protection.

CAUTION!

If the foregoing precautions are not fully understood, clarification should be obtained from your nearest GNB representative. Local conditions may introduce situations not covered by GNB Safety Precautions. If so, contact the nearest GNB representative for guidance with your particular safety problem; also refer to applicable federal, state and local regulations as well as indus- try standards.

2.3.1 Static Discharge Precautions for Batteries When maintaining a connected battery string, care must be taken to prevent build-up of static charge. This danger is particularly significant when the worker is electrically isolated, i.e. working on a rubber mat or an epoxy painted floor or wearing rubber shoes.

Prior to making contact with the cell, discharge static elec- tricity by touching a grounded surface.

Wearing a ground strap while working on a connected battery string is not recommended.

2.4 Safety Alert

The safety alert symbol on the left appears througout this manual. Where the symbol appears, obey the safety message to avoid personal injury.

2.5 Important Message

The symbol on the left indicates an impor- tant message. If not followed, damage to and/or impaired performance of the battery may result.