BATTERY
Special notes
To remove the battery, slacken mounting (A).
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It is vital :
• to ensure that there is no sulphation on the
terminals,
• to clean and grease the terminals if necessary,
• to check that the nuts are correctly tightened
on the terminals. Incorrect contact could cause
starting faults or charging faults which could
cause sparks, making the battery liable to
explode,
•to check the electrolyte level.
Batteries with sets of removable plugs:
• remove the cover by hand or by using a tool
(stiff spatula),
• check that the electrolyte level in all the cells is
well above the level of the separators,
• if necessary, use demineralised water to top up
the level.
Note: certain types of battery have translucent
bodies which allow the level of the electrolyte to
be seen.
Never add electrolyte or other products to the
battery.
A - CHECKING
Check and ensure that:
• the battery tray and cover are not cracked or
split,
• the top of the battery is clean,
• the terminals are in good condition.
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BATTERY
Special notes
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B- PRECAUTIONS
It should be remembered that a battery:
• contains sulphuric acid, which is a dangerous
product,
• produces oxygen and hydrogen during
charging. The mixture of these two gases
forms a detonating gas , hence the risk of an
explosion.
1) DANGER = ACID
The sulphuric acid solution is a highly aggressive,
toxic and corrosive product. It attacks skin,
clothing, concrete and corrodes most metals.
It is also very important, when handling a battery,
to take the following precautions:
• to protect your eyes with goggles,
• to wear anti-acid gloves and clothing.
If acid splashes on to your clothing, rinse all the
contaminated areas thoroughly in water. If your
eyes are affected, consult a doctor.
2) DANGER = RISK OF EXPLOSION
When a battery is charging (either in a vehicle or
elsewhere), oxygen and hydrogen are produced.
Gas production is at a maximum when the battery
is completely charged and the quantity of gas
produced is proportional to the intensity of the
charging current.
The oxygen and the hydrogen join together in the
open air, on the surface of the plates and form a
highly explosive mixture.
The smallest of sparks, a cigarette or a recently
extinguished match are sufficient to cause an
explosion. The explosion is so strong that the
battery can shatter and the acid is dispersed into
the surrounding atmosphere. People nearby are
at risk (shattered casing parts, acid splashes). The
acid splashes are harmful to the eyes, face and
hands. They also attack clothing.
Safeguarding against the danger of explosion,
which can be caused by a poorly handled battery,
must be taken very seriously. Avoid all risks of
sparks.
• Check that the "consumers" are switched off,
before disconnecting or reconnecting a
battery.
• When a battery is being charged in a room,
switch off the charger before connecting or
disconnecting the battery.
• Do not put any metallic items onto the battery
so as not to cause a short circuit across the
terminals.
• Never place a naked flame, a welding torch,
hot air gun, a cigarette or a lighted match near
to a battery.
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