The following general battery handling guidelines are intended for use at battery storage facilities, by the battery users, or any time batteries are handled:
- Batteries may become extremely hot, vent noxious gases, leak, explode, or emit flames if failed or damaged, causing personnel injury and/or equipment damage. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, face shield, and apron must be worn when handling leaking batteries or electrolyte.
- Do not open, crush, puncture, mutilate, or expose batteries to open flame or high temperatures. Do not short circuit battery terminals.
- Batteries are environmentally sealed. If outer case is compromised, do not use item, or expose it to water/wet environments. Damaged batteries may short circuit.
- Keep batteries in original packaging until ready to use. This helps to identify indications of damage, such as swelling and leakage.
- Inspect Lithium batteries for defects such as bulging, cracks, leakage; if present, do not use.
- A Lithium battery that is abnormally warm to the touch may indicate either a damaged battery or that the battery CDD has been depressed and is being discharged. Separate such batteries from other batteries.
- An odor or a hissing/popping sound indicates a battery in the process of venting. Ventilate the area and get away from the battery until the venting is completed.
- Use only authorized batteries in equipment to prevent equipment damage. Read the equipment TM to confirm required batteries. Do not mix battery chemistries.
- Don’t force batteries into equipment. The batteries can be hard or dangerous to remove, causing personal injury and/or damaging equipment and battery.
- Don’t mix new and old batteries in equipment to prevent charging of old batteries by new batteries. This could force the old batteries into voltage reversal and a violent venting.
- Don’t over discharge batteries. Remove them when they no longer power the equipment.
- Use only authorized charging equipment and procedures to charge working, undamaged batteries. Use of unauthorized charging equipment and procedures or charging damaged or failed batteries may cause batteries to explode or leak flammable/noxious gas.(note need to list what is an authorized charger)
- Indications that a battery should not be charged include and visible signs of battery damage, leaking electrolyte, swelling or warm to the touch.
- NEVER attempt to charge primary batteries (see Battery Nomenclatures to determine what type a battery is). Even very small charging currents can cause batteries to explode violently.
- Batteries should not be charged outside of a set temperature range. Lithium-ion batteries can form dendrites at cold temperatures which can result in short circuit.
The following battery storage guidelines are provided for all battery types. Typical storage locations include conex structures for bulk storage or smaller facilities for end item users.
- Store new batteries in original packaging. This helps to identify damage such as swelling or leakage of batteries. Swelling of the bag indicates a battery that has vented.
- Remove batteries from equipment for long term storage to prevent damage to equipment.
- Do not accumulate used batteries, dispose of on a regular basis.
- Segregate battery storage from other hazardous materials and other battery chemistries. It is critical that lead acid batteries be kept away from nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride batteries.
- Protect batteries from crushing, punctures, shorting and excessive heat.
- Keep in a cool, dry, well ventilated area, below 122 degrees F. Storage of Li-ion batteries at the inappropriate state of charge and temperature can impact the useable life of the battery.
- Coordinate battery storage locations with your local fire department/safety office and have periodic inspections conducted by fire department/safety office.
- Protect bulk storage of batteries with sprinklers.
- No smoking or eating around battery storage areas.
- Ensure that fire extinguishers are available. Use a type “AB” (H2O) extinguisher to fight fires involving small quantities of batteries and surrounding combustibles . A type “D” extinguisher would be used to fight a lithium fire by professional fire fighters.
For more information, see SB 11-6 (CAC required).