B block chassis before working on them;
C disconnect battery before working on
the electrical system;
D the 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.
A Before 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;
B Before 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:
A Flushing spilled electrolyte;
B Fire protection;
C Protecting charging apparatus from
damage by trucks; and
D Adequate 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.
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English