UFC 3-560-01
6 December 2006
Including change 1, 7 December 2006
9-8.3
Safety Precautions.
WARNING
Stationary batteries generate a direct current (DC) voltage, which is
particularly dangerous with respect to electrical safety. Exercise extreme
caution whenever working on battery systems.
9-8.3.1 Wear proper safety clothing to prevent contact with acid or live electrical
connections. Whenever working on or near batteries, wear a rubber apron and rubber
gloves. Ensure goggles and face shields are available for personnel.
9-8.3.2 Use only insulated tools in the battery area to prevent accidental shorting
across battery connections. Never lay tools or other metal objects on cells; shorting,
explosion, or personal injury could result. As a general rule, the length of the exposed
metal for any tool should be less than the distance between the positive and negative
posts of each cell.
9-8.3.3 Wear only nonconductive hard hats near batteries. Metal hard hats can fall
across the battery terminals or connections and create short circuits.
9-8.3.4 Remove all jewelry, wristwatches, or clothing with metal parts that could come
into contact with the battery terminals.
9-8.3.5 Do not make or break series connections within an operating group of cells.
Before proceeding, open the battery system circuit breaker to minimize the possibility of
arcing.
9-8.3.6 Vented lead acid, vented nickel cadmium batteries and valve-regulated lead
acid (VRLA) batteries can generate hydrogen gas that, in sufficient concentrations, can
be explosive if ignited. Never bring burning materials such as lighted matches,
cigarettes, or sparks of any kind near the battery. Avoid the use of spark-producing
equipment near batteries. Residual gases can remain within cells during storage and
shipment. Smoking is not permitted in battery rooms or near stationary batteries. Take
these precautions at all times while handling batteries.
9-8.3.7
Ensure that the exit from the battery area is unobstructed.
9-8.3.8 Minimize access to the battery by personnel unaware of battery safety
precautions.
9-8.3.9
Ensure that the battery area is suitably illuminated.
9-8.3.10 Keep the battery and adjacent area clear of all tools and other foreign objects.
9-14
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