81Maintenance and ServiceGeneral information on handlingbatteriesPay attention to the safetyinformation in Section 1.4 andSection 1.5.2 as well as theinformation on servicing andmaintenance in the batterydocuments.Also refer to the information inthe supplementary sheet 88-60-2556 "Information ondriving batteries".• Always disconnect the battery plugbefore starting any work on theelectrical installation.• Batteries may only be handled andchanged by properly skilledmaintenance personnel.• Pay attention to legal requirementsand local directives.5.4.1 Charging batteriesBefore starting the vehicle upfor the first time, the batteriesto be used must be properlycharged by implementing theinitial battery charge routine,refer to Section 2.2. Hakoassumes no liability fordamage to the battery causedby a fault when the battery ischarged for the first time.There must be sufficientventilation in the charging area- risk of explosion!The seat console (Fig. 25/5)must be open during thebattery charging process toprevent the development ofexplosive oxyhydrogen!Only use the original charger!Pay attention that theinsulation is not initiallydamaged and not damagedduring the charging process.The cable must not rub againstanything. Do not use thecharger if the insulation isdamaged.We recommend charging the batterywhen at least one dot of the battery in-dicator has gone out after operating themachine. The indicator (Fig. 25/1) also indicates the chargestatus of the batteries during the charg-ing process.• Connect the battery plug (Fig. 25/4)to the battery charger supplied.• Pay attention to the information inthe operating manual supplied withthe charger and the manual frombattery manufacturer.Do not inhale battery gases.