WARNINGS

TM 11-6140-203-14-4&P

WARNINGS

DANGEROUS CHEMICALS ARE USED IN

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

Never add electrolyte to a nickel-cadmium battery unless there has been spillage.

Add only distilled water. The electrolyte in the nickel-cadmium battery is a

solution of potassium- hydroxide (KOH), also commonly called lye, which is a very

strong caustic chemical. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and apron and a pair of

protective goggles when handling these batteries and electrolyte. You can get

very serious burns if any part of your body comes in contact with electrolyte. Be

sure to flush immediately under running water or in a large vessel filled with cool,

clean water. Seek medical help without delay for eyes.

EXPLOSIVE GASES

Charging the battery can be dangerous. Be sure the doors or windows are open

so that there is plenty of fresh air. First connect the battery to the charger and

then turn the switch on.

Afterward turn the charger switch off before

disconnecting the battery. It is possible that the gases generated during charging

can explode if these precautions are not taken. Also, be sure there is no smoking

or lighting a match or cigarette lighter in the charging area. The battery box cover

must be removed when charging. REMEMBER, THE EXPLOSION CAN BE

HEAVY AND YOU CAN GET HURT IF THE ABOVE PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT

TAKEN.

DO NOT MIX SULPHURIC ACID AND KOH

Sulphuric acid used in lead-acid batteries should never be used at or near a

nickel-cadmium battery. Mark all tools and hydrometers red for lead-acid

batteries and blue for nickel-cadmium and keep them separate and apart. Not

only will a violent reaction occur when the acid and alkali come in contact but

even the fumes from a lead-acid battery on charge will permanently damage the

nickel-cadmium battery.

BATTERY SHOP SAFETY PRACTICES

Maintenance personnel should be thoroughly trained in the use of charging,

discharging and test procedures of nickel-cadmium batteries. The charging and

maintenance of various alkali electrolyte batteries can be conducted in the same

area but must be kept in a separate and different room from lead-acid batteries.

Be sure to have adequate ventilation, deluge shower, eyewash fountain and fire

extinguisher (CO2) in charging and maintenance areas. Avoid injury. Battery BB-

693AIU is heavy (83 pounds) USE TWO PERSON LIFT.