Lift Truck Maintenance 8-25
Section 8. Planned Maintenance
3. When charging batteries, the vent caps must be kept in place to
avoid electrolyte spray. Care must be taken to assure that vent
caps are open (clean) and functioning. The battery (or
compartment) cover(s) must be open to dissipate heat and gas.
If batteries discharge rapidly during normal operation or
do not charge to the correct specifications, contact a
qualified battery service technician to check the battery
for you. Do not add electrolyte or attempt to service the
battery.
Battery Removal from Truck
1. Check the designated service and charging area for fire protec-
tion, and be sure all sources of ignition are cleared from the
area. Do not smoke. Be sure all previous noted equipment is in
the area, in good repair, and working properly. If the battery is to
be serviced, be sure there are provisions to flush and neutralize
spillage and to disperse (ventilate) fumes from gassing batteries
on charge. And, be sure there are provisions for handling elec-
trolyte.
2. Before attempting to remove or charge a storage battery, the
truck should be positioned in the designated battery service area
and the parking brake applied so the truck cannot move.
3. If the battery to be handled is not equipped with its own cover,
cover the battery when handling with a non-conductive (insulat-
ing) material, e.g., plywood or heavy cardboard, before attaching
the lifting device.
4. Use an approved lifting device with an insulated spreader bar, to
remove and transport a truck battery. Be sure the hoist and lifting
chains are equipped with safety hooks.
5. Remove the battery and move it to a
safe storage location. Store batteries
either on an approved battery rack or
on a wooden pallet.
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