Exide Technologies PORTFOLIO PAR20 - Manual (Page 6)

SECTION 1: GENERAL
1.0 General Information
SECTION 2: SAFETY MESSAGES
2.1 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
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
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.
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
2.5 Important Message
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.
DANGER!
SULFURIC ACID BURNS
DANGER!
EXPLOSIVE GASES
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.
The safety alert symbol on the left appears
througout this manual. Where the symbol
appears, obey the safety message to avoid
personal injury.
The symbol on the left indicates an impor-
tant message. If not followed, damage to
and/or impaired performance of the battery
may result.
6
DANGER!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND BURNS
HIGH VOLTAGE…
RISK OF SHOCK.
DO NOT TOUCH
UNINSULATED
TERMINALS OR
CONNECTORS.