TB 43-0134
d.
Handling. See para 2-3.
(2) Cathode: Sulfur dioxide (S02).
e.
Fire control/suppression. See para 24. A Li-
(3) Electrolyte: Organic solvent (acetonitrile
(CH3CN)) solution with lithium bromide (LiBr).
S02 battery does not catch fire easily. Typically, lithium (Li)
metal is less than two percent of total battery weight. If it does
WARNING
catch fire, it will probably burn out in less than five minutes. A
Li-SO2 batteries contain pressurized SO2
battery heated by a fire will probably vent toxic and corrosive
gas. The gas has a pungent odor, and is
SO2 gas.
highly toxic. The battery MUST NOT be
WARNING
abused in any way which may cause the
Halon fire extinguishers SHALL NOT be
battery to rupture.
used to combat fires involving Li-SO2
IMMEDIATELY turn off the equipment if
batteries.
battery or battery compartment shows signs
(1) If Li-SO2 batteries are involved in or near
of overheating or becomes hot to the touch.
fire, the principal concerns are to prevent its spread and
Allow the battery to cool (at least 60
minimize cell venting. Flood the burning materials with water.
minutes) before removing it. If you hear a
This will cool the batteries, control the combustion of
hissing sound (battery vent-ing), or smell
surrounding flammables, and reduce the hazards of gaseous
irritating gas, IMMEDIATELY Turn Off the
S02, in case of venting, by removing some of the gas from the
equipment, and LEAVE the area until any
air.
smell or signs of leaking gas have been
(2) C02 extinguishers will not extinguish
cleared from the area.
burning Li metal, but will extinguish other combustible
(1) S02 gas has a sharp suffocating odor and
materials within or near the battery.
is a corrosive and poisonous material. It may irritate the eyes,
(3) Use of an approved Class-D fire
nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Personnel can detect
extinguisher, such as Lith-X, for Li metal fires, is
SO2 at 1 part per million (ppm) concentration, and
recommended.
concentrations above 10 ppm are dangerous.
f.
Storage. See para 2-5. Storage shall be in a
(2) NEVER test Li-S02 batteries for capacity
dry, well ventilated, sprinkler protected facility, if available. A
with a conventional test set not specifically designed to test
non-combustible building or structure without sprinklers will be
these batteries. Battery Test Set TS-4403A/U is authorized for
the second choice. A combustible storage facility may be
testing BA-5588/U, BA-5590/U and BA-5598/U in accordance
used temporarily if neither of the above types is available.
with your locally established Standard Operating Procedures
Other hazardous materials shall be stored separately from the
(SOP) based on Technical Assistance Gram (TAG) #002-95.
batteries. A Class-D fire extinguisher should be available in
This TAG may be obtained from your local CECOM Logistics
storage areas when sprinkler protected facilities are not
Assistance Representative (LAR) or the CECOM Safety Office,
available.
see para 1-7.
g.
Transportation requirements. See para 26 for
b.
Type number. BA-5000 series (except BA-
packaging, marking and labeling requirements. All multi-cell
5372/U, BA-5516/U and BA-5567/U).
Li-SO2 batteries MUST be shipped for disposal in accordance
c.
Solid waste characterization.
with Title 49 CFR, Part 172.101 HMT and 49 CFR, Part
(1) With a CDD: multi-cell Li-S02 batteries
173.1850).
with CDD can be completely discharged by activating the CDD
(1) Packaging: All CECOM procured batteries
after final use. After the CDD is activated the battery MUST be
meet the requirements of 49 CFR, Part 173.1850)(1) (i.e., cells
stored for five days to eliminate its reactivity.
contain less than 12.0 grams of Li). They may be shipped for
(a) Under federal RCRA: NHSW.
disposal by motor vehicle only. When packaged, batteries
(b) Bioassay findings: NHSW in states
MUST be protected from external short circuits, and packaged
which utilize bioassay characterization for HW identification.
in a strong outer packaging.
Presently AK, CA, MN, RI and WA utilize this criteria.
(2) Marking and labeling: Proper shipping
(2) Without a CDD: LiS02 batteries without
name: Lithi- um battery; Hazard Class: 9; UNID: UN3090;
CDD CAN NOT be completely discharged during use. After
Packing Group: II; label in accordance with 49 CFR, Part
final use, these batteries are still characterized as reactive.
172.446: CLASS 9 label; see label at Figure 4-2. CDD dis-
(a) Under federal RCRA: HW with an
charged Li-SO2 batteries are not regulated under 49 CFR,
EPA HW numbers D01 for ignitable and D003 for reactive.
Part 172.101 HMT, see 49 CFR, Part 173.185 (1).
(b) Bioassay findings: Not tested, and
h.
Disposition and disposal: DO NOT accumulate
presumed NHSW based on findings of batteries with CDD.
and store waste batteries for disposal for more than 90 days.
Although these batteries did not fail this criteria, they are still
See para 2-7. Deactivated Li-SO2 batteries which have been
considered HW for disposal because they are characterized
as reactive HW under RCRA regulations.
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