Safe handling of lithium batteries - Guide for creating product-specific Battery Information Sheets
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ZVEI information leaflet No. 2e
Edition July 2012
Safe handling of lithium batteries
Guide
for creating product-specific Battery Information Sheets
Preliminary note:
This guide is not aimed at users of batteries
In each case, the manufacturer's recommendations (in product-specific
data sheets, operating instructions/manuals or product data sheets),
have priority over this guide.
The term lithium batteries encompasses a broad field of products with various
designs and chemical compositions. Therefore, this guide can highlight only general
information and procedures for creating product-specific data sheets.
When commissioning, storing, working with and on batteries as well as
decommissioning and disposing of them, the instructions contained herein are to be
adhered to strictly and without exception. In cases of doubt, please be sure to contact
the manufacturer for clarification.
Due to their product properties and performance data, lithium batteries serve various
applications. These include not only portable and stationary applications, but also
applications in the automotive industry and industrial applications.
The term "lithium batteries" refers to non-rechargeable and rechargeable systems.
This guide refers to both systems. The instructions listed in the data sheet refer to
lithium batteries as well as lithium cells, even if most instructions speak only of lithium
batteries for the sake of easier readability.
The REACH regulation (1907/2006/EC) has replaced the EU directive for safety data sheets
(91/155/EU). Both the now valid REACH regulation and the no longer valid directive require safety data
sheets to be created and updated for materials and preparations. For products– including lithium
batteries, – no EU safety data sheets are required according to European chemicals regulations.
This leaflet was prepared by the Working Group on Environment and Occupational Health of the
ZVEI – German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE reason, when coming into processes, which reduce the
SUBSTANCE / contact with batteries with a currently available energy, but
PREPARATION AND OF conspicuous appearance by means of the lower charging
THE COMPANY / (leaking substances, deformed, voltage lead to a significantly
UNDERTAKING discoloured, dented or the like), lengthened product life.
sufficient body and breathing
This is the place for providing If additional instructions are needed
protection is required. Lithium at this point, they can be taken, for
information particular to product batteries can, for example, react
and manufacturer for the example, from DIN EN 62133
very severely in combination "Secondary cells and batteries
respective products used with fire. This can result in containing alkaline or other non-acid
(including trade name, battery components being electrolytes – Safety requirements
respective product specification, ejected with considerable force. for portable sealed secondary cells,
information about the and for batteries made from them,
manufacturer, phone, fax, e- Handling and operational for use in portable applications" as
mail, Internet). safety: well as DIN EN 60086-4 "Primary
batteries, Part 4: Safety of lithium
Lithium batteries are always to batteries".
be handled in accordance with
the manufacturer's
2. HAZARDS specifications. This is true
IDENTIFICATION particularly for complying with
the limits for maximum current 3. COMPOSITION /
Lithium batteries have a gas- load, charging and end-point INFORMATION ON
tight seal and are safe insofar as voltages, and mechanical and INGREDIENTS
they are used and handled in thermal loads.
accordance with the The respective substances are
manufacturer's specifications. Usually product packages are to be taken from the
marketed that have already manufacturer and product-
Warning! been matched. Such products specific data sheets for lithium
are in no wise to be modified or batteries.
Do not charge batteries if they
are not rechargeable battery tampered with, since that could Note: Lithium batteries are
systems. result in substantial safety products which release no
hazards. substances when used properly.
When recharging batteries,
never use chargers which are Use the charging process
unsuitable for the battery type. tailored to the respective cell
type of a rechargeable battery.
Do not short-circuit them. Do not
inflict mechanical damage
(puncturing, deforming, 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Danger!
disassembling etc.). Do not heat When handled and stored
them above the permitted As with other batteries, so also properly, lithium cells and
temperature or burn them. Keep for lithium batteries it is true that batteries do not represent a
batteries away from small even when thought to be source of danger.
children. Always store batteries discharged, they can still
in a dry and cool place. represent a source of danger. Since, depending on the
On the one hand, they can manufacturer, various
When handled properly and in deliver a very high short-circuit ingredients are used, in the case
accordance with the parameters current. On the other hand, even of damage always follow the
specified by the manufacturer, in the state of the minimum instructions in the respective
lithium batteries are safe during permitted end-point voltage, manufacturer's product-specific
use. Improper handling or lithium batteries with a high data sheets.
conditions leading to improper voltage (over 75 Volts) can pose
operation can cause leakage of Skin or eye contact: If the
a danger of a lethal electric
battery substances and products substances come into contact
shock.
of decomposition and reactions with the skin or eyes thoroughly
associated with these, which can For most products, too deep a rinse the affected areas with
cause personal injury and discharge leads to permanent water for at least 15 minutes. In
environmental damage. damage. Deep-discharged the event of eye contact, in
lithium batteries are no longer addition to thoroughly rinsing
Since a wide variety of chemical permitted to be charged or with water, always contact a
substances are used, always operated. doctor.
follow the manufacturer's
directions for immediate In all cases, avoid excessive Burns:
measures and first-aid measures charging voltages and If burns are caused, treat them
in the event of an accident. overcharging. They can lead accordingly. Likewise, we
directly to critical situations, but urgently recommend contacting
In general, contact with leaking also have a negative impact on a doctor.
battery substances can pose a battery life. For this reason,
danger to personal health and some manufacturers
the environment. For this recommend gentle charging
2Respiratory tract: to take into consideration the If substances leak out due to
Leave the room immediately if respective circumstances for this damage or improper handling,
there is an intensive smoke purpose, no relevant be sure to comply with the
recommendations can be made
build-up or release of gas. Call manufacturer's instructions. This
here.
in a doctor if there are large particularly includes the use of
quantities and irritation of the personal safety equipment.
airways. If possible provide for
sufficient ventilation. When storing great quantities of
lithium batteries, make an
Swallowing: 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE arrangement with the local
Rinse out the mouth and around MEASURES authorities. In general and
the mouth with water. If the battery housing gets independent of batteries: A
Immediately call for the help of a damaged, electrolyte can leak building permit is required for
doctor. out. Seal batteries in an airtight storage buildings.
plastic bag, having added dry
sand, chalk powder (CaCO3) or
vermiculite. Traces of electrolyte
can be soaked up with dry paper
5. FIRE-FIGHTING 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS /
towels. When doing so, prevent
MEASURES PERSONAL PROTECTION
direct contact with skin by
Fires from lithium batteries in wearing safety gloves. Lithium batteries are products,
use (such as in a laptop or Thoroughly rinse with water. from which no substance is
electric vehicle) can in principle released under normal and
Use personal safety equipment
be fought with water. reasonably foreseeable
appropriate for the situation
Differentiating between various conditions of use.
(safety gloves, protective
systems of lithium batteries at
clothing, safety mask, breathing
the time of a fire is generally not
protection). For specific
possible and is unnecessary.
information about personal
Due to the design and the safety equipment, refer to the 9. PHYSICAL AND
battery properties, no additional manufacturer and product- CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
or special extinguishing agents specific information.
need to be available, since the At this place, reference is made
Always proceed in accordance to the properties of the
batteries are protected
with the manufacturer's respectively used substances,
accordingly. Fire surrounding the
instructions. If required, obtain which are described in the
batteries is to be fought with
information from the manufacturer and product-
conventional extinguishing
manufacturer. specific data sheets for lithium
agents. The fire of a battery
cannot be considered separately batteries.
from the surrounding fire.
The cooling effect of water
effectively impedes fire from 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
spreading to battery cells which In each case, carefully observe
still have not reached the critical the warnings on batteries and 10. STABILITY AND
ignition temperature ("thermal the operating instructions for REACTIVITY
runaway"). devices and other applications. If an upper temperature limit is
Use of water is also favourable Use only the recommended exceeded (see product-specific
in light of its wide availability. battery types. Usually only cells data sheets of the
of the same type and design can manufacturer), the batteries are
Hybrid or fully electric vehicles be used. Thus, for example, in danger of bursting.
pose no greater risk with the lithium cells and NiMH cells or
high-voltage batteries switched cells with a different capacity When charging a rechargeable
off than conventional vehicles. and voltage are never permitted system, always be sure to
to be used together. comply with the upper voltage
As with all fires, inhalation of the limit. If the limits are exceeded,
gases produced by the fire can Effectively prevent a short circuit the battery may burst or even
harm one's health. For this of the battery poles by using explode. Charging a non-
reason, provide for sufficient suitable insulation. rechargeable system, which is
ventilation. not permitted, may cause the
Lithium batteries are preferably
Note: to be stored at room battery to burst or explode.
When firefighting, regardless of temperature and in a dry
these general statements concerning Likewise, the end-point voltage
location (for details, refer to the must not be undershot. Here as
use of lithium batteries, take into
manufacturer's specifications well, there is a danger of
consideration the various stages in
manufacturing batteries (such as cell concerning the storage bursting.
production, lab, assembly of cells temperature range); large
into batteries), for in these stages temperature fluctuations are to
cell manufacturers and assembly be avoided. (For example, do
centres can take special measures not store in the vicinity of heating
which are not suitable for the stage elements, do not expose to
of finished batteries. Due to the need sunshine for long periods).
311. TOXICOLOGICAL 13. DISPOSAL For portable lithium batteries,
INFORMATION CONSIDERATIONS collection and recycling targets
are defined as part of the
At this place, reference is made Lithium batteries are marked European battery legislation.
to the toxicological information of with the symbol of the crossed-
the respectively used out wheeled bin (see figure). Based on the European battery
substances, which are described directive and as specified in
in the manufacturer and product- Germany by the German Battery
specific data sheets for lithium Act, all battery manufacturers
batteries. and importers have to register
with the German Federal
Environment Agency before
The symbol reminds the end
placing batteries on the market.
user that batteries are not
The organisation of the take-
12. ECOLOGICAL permitted to be disposed of with
back of spent batteries must be
INFORMATION household waste, but must be
specified at the time of
collected separately. Spent
At this place, reference is made registration. Acceptance of the
batteries have to be returned
to the environment-related producer obligations has to be
free of charge to collection
information of the respectively clearly defined for all batteries
schemes or distributors.
used substances, which are before initially placing them on
described in the manufacturer To prevent short circuits and the market.
and product-specific data sheets associated heating up, lithium
However, Member States may
for lithium batteries. batteries are never permitted to
dispose of collected portable
be stored or transported in bulk
batteries or accumulators in
form and unprotected. Suitable
landfills or underground storage
measures against short circuits
when no viable end market is
include:
available.
• Placing the batteries in original
Disposal of waste industrial and
packaging or a plastic bag
automotive batteries by
• Masking the poles incineration or in landfills is
prohibited. However, residues of
• Embedding in dry sand any batteries and accumulators
that have undergone both
treatment and recycling may be
disposed of in landfills or by
incineration.
414. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Important note!
Commercial transport of lithium batteries is subject to dangerous goods regulations. Transport
preparations and transport are exclusively to be carried out by appropriately trained persons
and/or the process has to be accompanied by corresponding experts or qualified companies.
Transport regulations:
Lithium batteries are subject to the following dangerous goods regulations and exceptions to them—in
the version applicable in each case:
Class 9
UN 3090: LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES
UN 3091: LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT, or
LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT
UN 3480: LITHIUM ION BATTERIES (including lithium-ion-polymer batteries)
UN 3481: LITHIUM ION BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT, or
LITHIUM ION BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT
(including lithium-ion-polymer batteries)
Packing group: II, Tunnel category E
Special provisions and packing instructions:
ADR, RID: 188, 230, 310, 636, P903, P903a, P903b
Note: For ADR, see
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/adr2011/11contentse.html
IATA: A88, A99, A154, A164, P965, P966, P967, P968, P969, P970
Note: For the IATA Guidance Document on lithium batteries, see
www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dangerous_goods/Pages/lithium_batteries.aspx
IMDG Code: 188, 230, 310, P903
EmS: F-A, S-I
Stowage category A
Test and inspection specifications
In accordance with the dangerous goods regulations for lithium batteries, each new type of cell or
battery must have passed all tests listed in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.
This particularly applies also if multiple cells or batteries have been assembled into new batteries
(battery packs or battery assemblies).
Note: For the UN Manual, see
www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/manual/Rev5/ManRev5-files_e.html
Used batteries are also subject to these regulations. In the case of used batteries which are intact and
undamaged, usually the regulations for new batteries can be applied.
Defective or damaged batteries are subject to more stringent regulations, ranging all the way to
complete prohibition of transport. The prohibition of transport applies to air transport carriers (ICAO T.I.,
IATA DGR - special provision A154).
However, for the transport of used — but not damaged — batteries, refer also to the corresponding
special regulations (636), and/or packaging instructions (P903a and P903b / ADR).
Waste batteries and batteries which are sent for recycling or disposal are prohibited from air transport
(IATA Special provision A 183).
Exceptions are to be approved by the competent authority of the country of origin and the respective
country of the airline.
515. REGULATORY 16. OTHER INFORMATION
INFORMATION
The instructions provide help for
In Germany, the law governing complying with legal
the sale, return and specifications, but do not replace
environmentally sound disposal them.
of batteries and secondary cells
(Batteries Act – Batteriegesetz, The foregoing information was
BattG) from 25 June 2009 compiled to the best of our
applies. This law serves to knowledge and belief.
implement the directive It does not represent any
2006/66/EC (battery directive).) guarantee of properties.
[Note: In other countries specific Distributors and users of the
regulations are to be considered product have their own
as appropriate.] responsibility for observing
applicable laws and regulations.
Editor:
ZVEI – Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e. V.
Fachverband Batterien
Lyoner Straße 9
60528 Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: +49 69 6302-283
Fax: +49 69 6302-362
E-mail: batterien@zvei.org
© ZVEI 2012
In spite of all due care, however, we cannot accept any liability
for the information being complete, correct or up to date.
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