Windsor RRB 360 manual Fire Safety Standard, Maintenance, Changing and Charging Storage Batteries

Bblock chassis before working on them;

Cdisconnect battery before working on the electrical system;

Dthe charger connector shall be plugged only into the battery connector and nev- er into the unit connector.

Operation of the unit to check performance shall be conducted in an authorized area where safe clearance exists.

ABefore starting to operate the unit:

(1)be in operating position;

(2)place directional controls in neutral;

(3)turn switch to ON position;

(4)check function of steering, warning devices, and breaks;

BBefore leaving the unit:

(1)stop unit;

(2)place directional controls in neutral;

(3)stop the engine or turn off power;

(4)turn off the control circuit;

(5)if the unit must be left on an incline, block the wheels.

–Avoid fire hazards and have fire protec- tion equipment present in the work ar- ea. Do not use any open flame to check the level or to check for leakage of any fluid, especially battery electrolyte. Do not use open pans of fuel or flammable cleaning fluids for cleaning parts.

–Properly ventilate work area, vent ex- haust fumes, and keep shop clean and dry.

–Brakes, steering mechanisms, control mechanisms, warning devices, articu- lating axle stops, and frame members shall be carefully and regularly inspect- ed and maintanined in safe operating condition.

FIRE SAFETY STANDARD

Maintenance

–Any unit not in safe operating condition shall be removed from service.

–Precautions. Repairs shall not be made in Class I, Class II, and Class III locations.

Repairs to the electrical system of bat- tery-powered units shall be performed only after the battery has been discon- nected.

–Operating Temperature. Where tem- perature of any part of the unit is found to be in excess of its normal operating temperature and creates a hazardous condition, the unit shall be removed from service and shall not be returned to service until the cause for such over- heating has been eliminated.

–Fire Prevention. The unit shall be kept in a clean condition and reasonably free of lint, excess oil, and grease. Noncom- bustible agents are preferred for clean- ing the unit. Flammable liquids [those having flash points at or above 100°F (37,8°C)] are not allowed. Precautions regarding toxicity, ventilation, and fire hazard shall be appropriate for the agent or solvent used.

–Nameplate Visibility: The unit type des- ignations as shown on the nameplate and the type markers shall not be cov- ered over with paint so that their identi- fication information is obscured.

–The unit shall not be used in classified areas.

Changing and Charging Storage

Batteries

–This section shall apply to batteries used in electric units. The two types of batteries commonly used are lead and nickel-iron. They contain corrosive chemical solutions, either acid or alkali, and, therefore , present a chemical haz- ard. While being charged, they give off hydrogen and oxygen, which, in certain concentrates, are explosive.

Battery-charging installations shall be lo- cated in areas designated for that purpose; such areas shall be kept free of extraneous combustible materials. Facilities shall be provided for the following:

AFlushing spilled electrolyte;

BFire protection;

CProtecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks; and

DAdequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gasing batteries.

Where on-board chargers are used, charg- ing shall be accomplished at locations des- ignated for that purpose, taking into account the electrical requirements of the charger and facilities for fire protection. Exception: Flushing faclilties shall not be required if charging is accomplished with- out removing the battery from the vehicle.

–Where handling acid concentrates greater than 50 percent acid (above 1.400 specific gravity), an eye-wash fountain shall be provided.

–A conveyor, overhead hoist, or equiva- lent material handling equipment shall be provided for handling batteries.

–Chain hoists shall be equipped with load-cabin containers. Where a hand hoist is used, uncovered battries shall be covered with a sheet of plywood or other nonconducting material to pre- vent the hand chain from shorting on cell connectors or terminals. A properly insulated spreader bar shall be used with any overhead hoist.

–Reinstalled or new batteries shall meet or exceed the battery type marked on the unit. Reinstalled batteries shall be positioned properly and secured in the unit.

–A carboy tilter or siphon shall be provid- ed where acid in carboys is used. When diluting concentrated sulfuric acid to make up electrolyte, the acid ALWAYS shall be added to the water - not the re- verse. Battery maintenance personnel shall wear protective clothing such as eye protection, long sleeves, and gloves.

Exception: Removal and replacement of batteries shall not require the use of protective clothing.

–Electrical installations shall be in accor- dance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and any local ordinances.

–Trained and authorized personnel shall change or charge batteries.

–Units shall be positoned properly and brakes shall be applied before attempt- ing to change or charge batteries.

–Where charging batteries, the vent caps shall be kept in place to avoid electrolyte spray. Care shall be taken to ensure that vent caps are functioning. The battery (or compartment cover(s) shall be open to dissipate heat and gas.

–Smoking shall be prohibited in the charging area.

–Precautions shall be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery-charging areas.

–Tools and other metallic objects shall be kept away from the tops of uncov- ered batteries.

English 5