2.PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
2.1Always have someone within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid, when working around
2.2Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
2.3Wear complete eye protection, clothing protection, and rubber soled shoes. When the ground is very wet or covered with snow, wear rubber boots. Avoid touching eyes while working near the battery.
2.4If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters the eyes, immediately flush with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
2.5NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of the battery or engine.
2.6Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
2.7Before working with a lead acid battery, remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, etc. A lead acid battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld such items, causing a severe burn.
3.PREPARING TO CHARGE BATTERY
3.1If necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off to prevent a possible arc.
3.2Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material as a fan.
3.3Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes.
3.4Add distilled water in each cell until the battery electrolyte reaches the level specified by manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without caps, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
3.5Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging, and recommended rates of charge.
3.6Determine voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual, and make sure that the output voltage selector switch is set at the correct voltage. If the charger has an adjustable charge rate, charge the battery initially at lowest rate. If the charger has only one voltage, verify that the battery voltage matches the voltage of charger. For a charger not having an output voltage selector switch, determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and make sure it matches the output rating of the battery charger.
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