SAFETY HAZARD WARNINGS FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are potentially hazardous and can present a serious FIRE HAZARD if damaged, defective or improperly used. Larger Lithium batteries and those used for industrial use involving high discharge current and frequent full discharge cycles require special precautions.
A FIRE IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING THE CHARGING PROCESS UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
THE BATTERY HAS BEEN FULLY DISCHARGED AND IS NOT RECHARGED SHORTLY AFTERWARD. This potential is aggravated if batteries are damaged, contain an undetected factory defect, are used or stored at temperature extremes, or are approaching the end of their useful life. (See useful life) Ideally, batteries should be recharged within 24 hours of a full discharge.
CHARGING IS ATTEMPTED AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 40°F (4°C). Charging below 40°F (4°C), causes a chemical reaction in the battery cells that can cause permanent damage and the possibility of fire or explosion during charging. THE BATTERY HAS
BEEN EXPOSED TO LIQUIDS, ESPECIALLY SALTWATER. Exposure to liquids can cause internal corrosion or damage to the cells or to the Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS protects the battery from overcharging, high self- discharge or imbalanced charging of the cells, any of which can present the possibility of fire during recharging.
OPERATING OR CHARGING A BATTERY THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED FROM DROPPING OR FROM SHIPPING DAMAGE. USING A CHARGER OTHER THAN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THE PARTICULAR BATTERY. Lithium Ion battery chargers provide a specific charging voltage and microprocessor current and voltage control. They are fundamentally different than chargers for SLA, NiCd, NiMH, or other rechargeable batteries. Chargers for LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) batteries (VML) and LiFePO4 batteries (VLX) are not interchangeable, and require different charging voltages.
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CHARGING RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations, in addition to those precautions above, should be followed when charging Lithium Ion batteries to ensure the avoidance of potentially catastrophic fire or explosion.
-Charging should be performed in a fire-safe area, away from children or pets. For maximum safety, a metal trashcan with lid placed on a non-flammable surface is suggested. Never charge batteries unattended, or where objects such as carpet, furniture, wood or vinyl floors, curtains or other flammable objects are present.
-Charging should be performed at a temperature between 40°F and 110°F (4°C and 43°C). Never charge below 40°F (4°C). Do not attempt to charge a battery that is swollen or bulging. Use only supplied charging cables and connections.
-Make sure connections are in good condition. Do not allow the charging polarity to be reversed or short-circuited. If equipment is connected during charging, equipment should be switched off. As a delayed chemical reaction can occur if a fault is present, observe the battery in a safe place for at least 15 minutes after charging is complete. A healthy battery should only get slightly warm during charging. If the battery becomes hot, smokes, swells, or gives off an odor during charging, terminate charging immediately and contact the manufacturer. Note – the charger itself may get quite warm to the touch when charging a deeply discharged battery.
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SAFE DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
Lithium Ion batteries contain elements that may pose health risks to individuals if they are allowed to leach into the ground water supply. In some countries, it may be illegal to dispose of these batteries in standard household waste. Fortunately, many recycling facilities exist that process lithium ion batteries, in part due to the value of the materials contained within the individual cells. In the United States and Canada, a large network of over 30,000 battery drop-off locations may be found at www.call2recycle.org.
To render the battery safe, apply tape over any exposed connectors to prevent the accidental shorting of the positive and negative terminals of the battery during transport. Place each battery into its own plastic bag, seal the bag, and deposit the battery into the recycling container. NEVER dispose of the battery in a fire or incinerator, as the battery may catch fire and explode.