• Never dispose of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in a fire or heat them.  Doing so may melt the insulation, damage the gas release vents or protective devices, ignite hydrogen gas, and cause leakage of battery fluid (electrolyte), heat generation, bursting and fire.

• Only charge the SideKick PowerPack batteries using specific chargers that satisfy EarthWalk’s specifications.  Only charge batteries under the conditions specified by EarthWalk.  Failure to follow proper charging procedures may cause excessive current flow, loss of control during charging, leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting, and fire.

• Never disassemble SideKick PowerPack batteries.  Doing so may cause an internal or external short circuit or result in exposed material or battery reacting chemically with the air.  It may also cause heat generation, bursting and fire.  Also, this is dangerous as it may cause splashing of alkaline fluid.

• Never modify or reconstruct SideKick PowerPack batteries.  If these are damaged, excessive current flow may cause loss of control during charging or discharging of the battery, leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.

• Power Surge or High voltage may cause excessive current flow, leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.

• SideKick PowerPack batteries contain the strong colorless alkaline solution (electrolyte).  The alkaline solution is extremely corrosive and will cause skin damage.  If any fluid from the SideKick PowerPack battery comes in contact with a user’s eyes, they should immediately flush their eyes and wash them thoroughly with enough clean water fro the tap or another source and consult a doctor urgently.  The strong alkaline solution can damage eyes and lead to permanent loss of eyesight.

• Do not apply water, seawater or other oxidizing reagents to SideKick PowerPack batteries, as this can cause rust and heat generation.  If a battery becomes rusted, the gas release vent may no longer operate and can result in bursting.

• Do not use batteries in a wet environment, for example near a bath tub, sink, or a wet floor.

• Keep SideKick PowerPack batteries out of the reach of babies and small children.

• Do not overcharge SideKick PowerPack batteries by exceeding the predetermined charging period specified by the battery charger’s instructions.  If the SideKick PowerPack batteries are not fully charged after the battery charger’s predetermined charging period has elapsed, stop the charging process.  Prolonged charging may cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.  Be sure to handle the recharged batteries carefully as they may be hot.

• Do not damage or drop the SideKick PowerPack battery.  Doing so will expose the battery to the risk of a short circuit and may cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.

• If SideKick PowerPack batteries leak fluid, change color, change shape or change in any other way, do not use them otherwise they may cause heat generation, bursting and fire.

• Do not charge batteries during an electrical storm. Power Surge or High voltage may cause excessive current flow, leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.

• When the operating time of a SideKick PowerPack battery becomes much shorter than its initial operating time even after recharged, it should be replaced by a new battery as its battery life has ended.

• Do not use SideKick PowerPack battery if the connector cord becomes frayed.

• Always use a surge protector while using the charger.

• Do not strike or drop SideKick PowerPack batteries.  Sharp impacts or blow to SideKick PowerPack batteries may cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting and fire.

• Children should not use SideKick PowerPack batteries unless they have been carefully instructed on the contents of this instruction manual and their parents or guardians have confirmed that the children understand and appreciate the proper usage and safety hazards presented by the batteries.

• Be sure and charge SideKick PowerPack batteries within a temperature range of 0ºC to + 40ºC.  When used at temperatures outside this range (0ºC to +40ºC) the batteries may cause leakage of battery fluid or heat generation.  It could also impair performance or shorten service life of the SideKick PowerPack batteries.

• Do not store SideKick PowerPack batteries at high temperatures, such as in strong direct sunlight, in cars during hot weather or close to any heat source.  This may cause leakage of battery fluid or heat generation.  It could also impair performance or shorten service life of the SideKick PowerPack batteries.

• For recommended charging of SideKick PowerPack batteries, read the battery charger’s instruction manual carefully.

• After long term storage, there is a possibility that the battery could not be fully charged.  In order to fully charge it, charge and discharge the SideKick PowerPack a few times.

• Do not use, store, charge, or place SideKick PowerPack batteries close to any paper products or flammable materials.

• Do not push any objects into the air vents or opening of your equipment.  Doing so can cause fire, bursting or electrical shock by shorting out interior components.

• Store SideKick PowerPack batteries in a dry place and within the recommended storage temperature range.  This will help preserve the batteries performance and durability and to minimize the possibility of leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, and bursting and fire.  It could also impair performance or shorten service life of the SideKick PowerPack batteries.

• If corrosion, heat generation or other abnormalities with the SideKick PowerPack batteries are detected, stop using them immediately.

• If the SideKick PowerPack battery terminals become dirty, clean them with a soft, dry cloth prior to use.  Dirt on the terminals can result in poor contact with the equipment, loss of power or inability to charge.

• Before using SideKick PowerPack batteries, be sure to read the operation manual and all precautions carefully, then store manual and precautions carefully to use as reference when the need arises.

If you have specific questions about the operation manual or the precautions,
contact EWTechnical Support at 703-393-1940, or via e-mail at ewsupport@earthwalk.com