Alpha Technologies XM3-HP Series - Technical Manual - Manual (Page 10)

Battery Safety Notes
Any gelled or liquid emissions from a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery contains diluted sulfuric acid, which is
harmful to the skin and eyes. Emissions are electrolytic and are electrically conductive and corrosive.
To avoid injury:
• Always wear eye protection, rubber gloves, and a protective vest when working near batteries. To avoid
battery contact, remove all metallic objects, (such as rings or watches), from your person.
• Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep all open flames and sparks away from batteries.
• Use tools with insulated handles, do not rest any tools on top of batteries.
• If any battery emission contacts the skin, wash immediately and thoroughly with water. Follow your company’s
approved chemical exposure procedures.
• Neutralize any spilled battery emission with the special solution contained in an approved spill kit or with
a solution of one pound bicarbonate of soda to one gallon of water. Report a chemical spill using your
company’s spill reporting structure and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Prior to handling the batteries, touch a grounded metal object to dissipate any static charge that may have
developed on your body.
• Use special caution when connecting or adjusting battery cabling. An improperly or unconnected battery cable
can make contact with an unintended surface that can result in arcing, fire, or a possible explosion.
• A battery showing signs of cracking, leaking, or swelling should be replaced immediately by authorized
personnel using a battery of identical type and rating.
Battery Maintenance Guidelines
• During maintenance visits, inspect batteries for the following:
• Signs of battery cracking, leaking or swelling. The battery should be replaced immediately by
authorized personnel using a battery of the identical type and rating.
• Signs of battery cable damage. Battery cable should be replaced immediately by authorized
personnel using replacement parts specified by vendor.
• Loose battery connection hardware. Refer to documentation for the correct torque and connection
hardware for the application.
• Always replace batteries with those of an identical type and rating. Match conductance, voltage and date codes.
• Do not attempt to remove the vents (valves) from the AlphaCell broadband battery or add water. This is a safety
hazard and voids the warranty.
• Apply NO-OX grease on all exposed connections.
• When necessary, clean up any spilled electrolyte in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations or codes.
• Follow approved storage instructions.
• Always replace batteries with those of an identical type and rating. Never install untested batteries.
• Do not charge batteries in a sealed container. Each individual battery should have at least 1/2 inch of space between
it and all surrounding surfaces to allow for convection cooling.
• All battery compartments must have adequate ventilation to prevent an accumulation of potentially dangerous gas.
Never place batteries in a sealed enclosure. Extreme caution should be used when maintaining and collecting data on
the battery system. Ensure all enclosure vents and filters are clean and free of debris.
• Spent or damaged batteries are environmentally unsafe. Always recycle used batteries. Refer to local codes for
proper disposal of batteries.
10 017-882-B0-001 Rev. C2 (10/2013)