Handling precautions.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

damaged and no longer capable of performing its

11 Under no circumstances shall

intended purpose.

lithium cells or batteries be handled, placed, or

3 Used batteries shall not be

transported with flammable liquids or gases, or a

significant concentration of flammable fumes.

pierced, crushed, burned, dropped, cannibalized,

dismantled, or carelessly handled, nor shall they be

b. Secondary batteries. Secondary batteries will

short-circuited, charged, or reused. (Reuse does not

never be piled on top of one another, rather, they will be

pertain to removal and reinstallation in paragraph 3e.)

stored on storage racks. These racks will be made of

Some lithium sulfur dioxide batteries are unbalanced

loose, flat board; nails not being required. The uprights

and have been determined to be potential hazards

will be about 10 inches high and 12 inches wide. Shelf

whenever they undergo excessive current drain (as in

boards can be of any convenient size. The rack is

short circuits) or are unparalleled without dioxide

assembled with batteries sitting on the shelves and on

protection.

These batteries must be equipped or

either side of the uprights. The batteries must be close

packaged in such a manner as to prevent accidental

enough together to hold the upright rigid.

short circuit. Battery container shall be marked with

(1) Lead-acid batteries.

hazardous waste labels according to Federal and state

(a) Charged and wet. When received

requirements.

charged and wet, the cells are completely assembled,

(f) Handling precautions.

contain electrolyte, are fully charged, and ready for use.

1 Lithium

batteries

contain

The batteries will be stored in a fully charged condition

pressurized cells similar to aerosol cans. Any attempt to

and care must be exercised in handling. When stored in

disassemble, open, or mutilate them could result in

this manner, batteries must be kept fully charged either

injury or fatality.

by continuous application of a trickle charge or by a

2 Heating or incinerating lithium

periodic recharge once each month in temperatures

below 80 . When charging batteries, the vent caps

batteries may produce internal pressure at a rate in

will be kept in place to avoid electrolyte spray. Care will

excess of venting capacity which will cause the item to

be taken to assure that vent caps are functioning. It

explode.

should always be assumed that an explosive mixture of

3 Lithium batteries will never be

gases exists in and around charging batteries, unless

recharged. Such action may lead to venting, rupturing,

positive steps have been taken to eliminate them. For

or possibly a fire.

this reason, anything that could ignite these gases such

4 Keep batteries in original

as an open flame, a spark, or smoking should be

protective packing until ready to use or installation in

prohibited. Water will be added and specific gravity

equipment.

checked every week. Because equalizing charges are

5 When not in use, remove

given, generally, at 30-day intervals, the batteries will be

batteries from equipment. Equipment will not be turned-

stored in a readily accessible place.

As the

in or stored with batteries installed.

temperatures of the storage area or zone and the age of

6 Nonsupply activity users (who

the battery have a direct bearing on the frequency at

are responsible for removal) should be advised of

which equalizing charges must be given, the individual

handling and storage procedures for new and used

activity storing batteries will determine the schedule of

batteries.

equalizing charges.

7 Extreme care and proper

Batteries may be stored several months in this

protective equipment such as splash shield, mask,

manner and are available for use at any time. New

rubber gloves, and apron must be used when handling

batteries that have electrolyte in them and that have

leaking or damaged batteries.

been given their first charge on batteries that have been

in service and are not worn out must be stored in as cool

8 Additional special precautions

a location as possible, namely, between 60 . and 80

identified in the literature or instructions provided by the

. Wet charged batteries should not be stored directly

manufacturer must be complied with by all handlers.

on a concrete floor. Lead-acid batteries, depending on

9 Any person who detects a

the quantity and size, will be stored in racks or bins in an

noxious gas, such as sulfur dioxide, in an area where

upright position to prevent spillage or leakage of

batteries are stored should leave the area immediately

electrolyte.

and call the installation spill response team.

10 Smoking is prohibited in battery

storage areas.

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