TB 43-0134
can be completely discharged by activating the CDD after final
user MUST certify on the DTID (DD Form 1348-1) that the
use.
batteries are "balanced cell batteries." See para 4-7 a.
(a) Under federal RCRA: HW with an
(b) These batteries are classified as NHSW in
EPA HW# of D007 for chromium.
states that utilize bioassay to characterize solid wastes.
(b) Bioassay findings: HW in states
However, they MUST be disposed as HW, because the
which utilize bioassay characterization for HW identification.
battery's reactivity exceeds regulatory limits.
Presently AK, CA, MN, RI and WA utilize this criteria.
4-8. Lithium-Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCI2) Batteries, Multi-
(2) Without CDD: Li-SOCI2 batteries without
cell
CDD can NOT be completely discharged by your equipment.
Multi-cell Li-SOC12 batteries are primary (non-rechargeable)
After final use these batteries are still reactive.
batteries. These multi-cell batteries have two or more cells (up
(a) Under Federal RCRA: HW with EPA
to eight cells depending on configuration). The cell has a
HW#'s of DOO1 for ignitable, D003 for reactive and D007 for
liquid cathode of thionyl chloride (SOC12), with up to 4.7
grams of lithium (Li)/cell. There are two types of batteries
(b) Bioassay findings: HW in states
presently available: with a Complete Discharge Device (CDD),
which utilize bioassay characterization for HW identification.
and without a CDD. Batteries with a built-in CDD can easily be
Presently AK, CA, MN, RI and WA utilize this criteria.
identified by an attention label over the switch instructing users
d.
Handling. See para 2-3.
to "Push" the switch prior to disposal.
e.
Fire control/suppression. See para 2-4. A Li-
a.
Chemical characterization.
SOC12 battery does not catch fire easily. Typically, lithium (Li)
(1) Anode: Lithium (Li).
metal is less than two percent of total battery weight. If it
(2) Cathode: Thionyl chloride (SOC12).
should catch fire, it will probably burn out in less than five
(3) Electrolyte: Non-aqueous thionyl chloride
minutes. A battery heated in a fire will probably vent toxic and
(SOC12) solution containing lithium aluminum chloride
corrosive SOC12 vapors.
(LiAIC14) salt.
WARNING
WARNING
Halon fire extinguishers SHALL NOT be
Li-SOCI2 batteries contain liquid SOCI2,
used to combat fires involving Li-SOC12
which fumes upon exposure to air. The
batteries.
vapor is highly toxic, and the battery MUST
(1) In the event that Li-SOCI2 batteries are
NOT be abused in any way which may
involved in or near fire, the principal concerns are to prevent
cause the battery to rupture. IMMEDIATELY
its spread and minimize cell venting. Flood the burning
turn off the equipment if battery or battery
materials with water. This will cool the batteries, control the
compartment shows signs of overheating or
combustion of surrounding flammables, and reduce the
becomes hot to the touch. Allow the battery
hazards of gaseous SOC12, in case of venting, by removing
to cool (at least 60 minutes) before removing
some of the vapor from the air.
it. If you hear a hissing sound (battery
(2) CO2 extinguishers will not extinguish
venting),
or
smell
irritating
vapor,
burning Li metal, but will extinguish other combustible
IMMEDIATELY Turn Off the equipment, and
materials within or near the battery.
LEAVE the area until any smell or signs of
(3) Use of an approved Class-D fire
leaking gas have been cleared from the
extinguisher, such as Lith-X, for Li metal fires, is
area.
recommended.
(4) SOC12 vapor has a sharp suffocating odor
f.
Storage. See para 2-5. Storage shall be in a
and is a corrosive and poisonous material. It may irritate the
sprinkler protected facility, if available. A noncombustible
eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Personnel can
building or structure without sprinklers will be the second
detect SOC12 at I part per million (ppm) concentration, and
choice.
A combustible storage facility may be used
concentrations above 10 ppm are dangerous.
temporarily if neither of the above types are available at the
(5) NEVER test Li-SOC12 batteries for
time storage is required. Other hazardous materials shall be
capacity with a conventional test set not specifically designed
appropriately segregated from the batteries. A class-D fire
to test these batteries.
extinguisher should be available in storage areas, when
b.
Type number. BA-6000 series.
sprinkler protected facilities are not available.
c.
Solid waste characterization.
(1) With CDD: Li-SOC12 batteries with CDD
4-8
