Be aware of battery and charger inconsistencies!

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

The administrative manual says "Every team should know, understand and follow the safety rules found in the FIRST Safety Manual." That phrasing appears to be advisory (in that it does not create a requirement).

However, If event staff or officials feel that a hazard exists, they'll refer it to the regional director, who can determine the extent of the team's continued participation in the event, based on the hazard present and efforts to resolve it.

In terms of the competition, noncompliance with the safety manual carries no specific penalty, and certainly none related to passing or failing inspection or playing the game. But, if charging the battery in a particular way has rendered a battery unsafe, the inspectors and referees will prohibit the use of that battery in competition.

As an LRI in past years you know that we must follow directions. We were told no battery charger above 6A. Need I say more. You know that I questioned the rule so that it could be enforced and the safety manual was quoted as law. As LRI's we have no choice but to enforce. We will ask that the charger be removed from the pit area.