When working with heavy machinery, battery safety is of the utmost importance. Listed below are a few easy steps to ensure your safety while working on your Sno-Cat® vehicle.
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Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or a face shield when working around a battery. The corrosive acids contained in batteries can cause serious damage even in very small amounts, which could be in the form of vapors.
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Fire Protection: Lead-acid batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas while being charged. This highly explosive gas, generated within the cells, will expand and seep out of the vent caps. A cigarette, tool, or spark from any source could ignite the gas, causing the battery to explode. Always charge your battery in a well-ventilated area.
Note: The battery is receiving a charge and releasing hydrogen when the Sno-Cat® vehicle is running, not just when the charger is hooked up. -
Jump Starts: Dead batteries are common for our industry due to cold temperatures and long periods of inactivity. When jump starting your battery, be sure all electrical equipment is off. If you connect the jumper cables to the battery while a load is being drawn, a spark could occur.
Check the battery fluid level. If the plates are exposed, add water until they are covered. Never add acid.
Make sure both batteries are the same voltage.
Check vent caps are in place to prevent electrolyte splash.
Use quality jumper cables with a minimum 2-gauge wire.
Double check your polarity when arranging the jumper cable. -
Protect Your Back: Batteries are heavy. If you must move one, use a battery strap as a handle.