IOP-080 ATC

TP-616 - SAFETY AND DE-ENERGIZATION PROCEDURES

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Automatic Transfer Carriage (ATC) is used to remove large batteries from electric industrial trucks. It is only used when attached to a host truck (fork truck / pallet truck). The host vehicle provides the ability for the ATC to raise and lower, as well as to travel across the floor.

The ATC is run by an operator that would typically be standing next to the ATC. The ATC is constructed of a steel frame, which houses the electrically powered hydraulic power unit. This provides the power for the arm to travel inward and outward. This function is controlled by a valve with a lever on the dash of the ATC. For vacuum cup equipped units, a vacuum pump is also contained within the frame. For magnet equipped units, the magnet is powered by the DC voltage of the host truck battery.

GENERAL SAFETY

• Read and understand all instructions and warnings before using or servicing this equipment.

• Keep these instructions for future reference.

• Refer to the host pallet truck manual(s) for proper operation and service procedures before performing any service or maintenance to the pallet truck and/or Automatic Transfer Carriage (ATC) unit.

• ATC units shall only be used indoors in an industrial setting on a hard, nonslip, and level floor without defects including but not limited to holes, gouges, cracks, drains or obstacles comprised of concrete or other suitable industrial material.

• Forces required to operate the ATC vary with weight of the load, floor conditions, and carriage conditions.

• ATC units are not designed to be shipped or transported after initial delivery.

• A licensed structural engineer should be consulted prior to installing an ATC on any building level other than the ground floor.

• Perform system and safety check before operating.

• Failure to follow these instructions and warnings may result in property damage, personal injury or death.

WORK AREA

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered work areas and poor lighting can lead to accidents.
• Clean up/contain any fl uid spills immediately to prevent slips or falls.
• Be aware of potential hazards when performing any service or maintenance to the unit.

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Service personnel shall wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the task being performed.

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Lockout/tagout the BTC per your corporate policy, if damaged or not functioning properly. Lockout/tagout and de-energize all systems prior to performing any maintenance or service to unit.

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES-EXPLOSION HAZARD

Do not allow open flames or sparks of any kind near a battery. Highly explosive gas is generated when charging a battery that can remain in battery cells for extended periods of time after charging is complete.

• Always wear appropriate PPE including rubber apron, gloves, boots and full face shield when performing service or maintenance to any lead-acid batteries.

• Do not place metal or other conductive objects on top of battery. Arcing may occur causing damage to the battery and/or serious personal injury or death.

• Use only chargers matching the voltage and amperage of the battery being charged. Overcharging a battery can cause damage to the battery, charger and/or serious personal injury or death.

• Turn off charger before disconnecting battery from charger. Arcing between battery and charger connectors can cause damage to the connectors and/or serious personal injury or death.

HYDRAULIC HAZARD

AVOID HIGH PRESSURE FLUIDS-Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Relieve pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines. Tighten all connections before applying pressure. Keep hands and body away from pin holes which eject fluids under high pressure. Use a piece of cardboard or paper to search for leaks. DO NOT use your hand.

Any fluid injected into the skin under high pressure should be considered a serious medical emergency despite an initial normal appearance of the skin. There will be a delayed onset of pain, and serious tissue damage may occur. Medical attention should be sought immediately.

OPERATIONAL SAFETY

OPERATIONAL SAFETY

• Only personnel trained in the proper and safe operation of ATC units may operate or service the ATC.

• Operators shall wear appropriate PPE suitable for working with industrial lead-acid batteries while operating the ATC (see prior page).

• All data plates, warning labels, placards, etc shall be in place and legible at all times. Contact BHS for replacement data plates, warning labels, placards or instructions.

• All users and service personnel shall be familiar with the meaning and risks associated with all data plates, warning labels, etc.

• All operators and service personnel shall be aware of potential crush and shear points while operating or servicing the ATC.

• ATC shall be operated in an area with ambient light levels of at least 50 lux.

• Keep hands and arms out of the battery compartment while operating the ATC.

• Engage the battery stop(s) and properly secure the battery prior to transporting the battery.

• Attach the hook and chain (if equipped) to the battery prior to transporting the battery.

• Avoid abrupt changes in direction when transporting a battery in the ATC to prevent loss of the battery and/or loss of control of the pallet truck/ATC unit.

• Remove ATC from service if damaged, defective, or operating improperly (or becomes such while operating) until repairs can be made to correct any problem(s).

DO’s AND DON’T’s

• DO NOT exceed the maximum capacity of the ATC.

• DO NOT modify or fit the ATC with attachments without prior, written approval from BHS.

• DO NOT perform any maintenance or service to the ATC with a battery loaded on the ATC.

• DO NOT allow anyone to ride in or on the ATC.

• DO NOT operate the ATC with any guard or cover removed unless required for maintenance or repair.

• Disconnect ATC from the host truck’s battery prior to charging the host truck battery.

• Disconnect ATC from all power sources before attempting to perform service or maintenance to the unit.

• Mount the ATC to a pallet truck with a capacity equal to or greater than the maximum capacity of the ATC.

• DO NOT lift the ATC while attached to the host truck.

• DO NOT use the ATC in a manner for which it is not intended. Some examples of prohibited use are but not limited to:

           >>As a scooter or to transport people 
           >>As a vehicle jack
           >>To lift loads greater than its rated load capacity
           >>Where unintentional movement may exist
           >>Having direct contact with foodstuff
           >>In a potentially explosive atmosphere

DE-ENERGIZATION

ATC STANDARD:

1. Disconnect the host truck's battery from its battery charger (if connected). If equipped with onboard battery and charger, unplug the charger.
2. Disconnect the DC power supply.
Failure to Disconnect electrical power to the ATC could result in electrical shock. Serious personal injury or death will occur. a. If equipped with an onboard battery, remove the positive cable from the battery post. Secure the positive cable so it cannot contact the positive battery post. See Figure 1


FIGURE 1

b. If connected to the host truck’s battery, unplug/disconnect the power connector/leads to the battery. See Figure 2.



FIGURE 2

3. Cycle the manual valve several times to relieve stored hydraulic pressure. See Figure 3.
Failure to release any stored hydraulic pressure could result in injury from:
• Escaping hydraulic fluid under high pressure (see HYDRAULIC HAZARDS in the GENERAL SAFETY section).
• Unexpected movement of hydraulic components


FIGURE 3

ATC WITH REMOTE:

1. Unplug the battery charger (if equipped).
2. Remove the green wire from the small, positive terminal of the solenoid. Secure the green solenoid wire so it cannot contact any other terminals, ground points or metal parts. See Figure 1.


FIGURE 1

3. Activate the IN and OUT buttons of the remote to relieve stored hydraulic pressure. See Figure 2.
Failure to release any stored hydraulic pressure could result in injury from:
• Escaping hydraulic fluid under high pressure (see HYDRAULIC HAZARDS in the GENERAL SAFETY section).
• Unexpected movement of hydraulic components.


FIGURE 2

4. Disconnect the DC power supply.
Failure to Disconnect electrical power to the ATC could result in electrical shock. Serious personal injury or death will occur. a. If equipped with an onboard battery, remove the positive cable from the battery post. Secure the positive cable so it cannot contact the positive battery post. See Figure 3.


FIGURE 3

b. If connected to the host truck’s battery, unplug disconnect the power connector/leads to the battery. See Figure 4.



FIGURE 4

LABELS & PLACARDS