TB 43-0134
Appendix I
Operational Guidelines
for Field Inspection and Disposition
of Lithium-Sulfur Dioxide Batteries
NOTE
This appendix contains only a summary of the Technical Assistance Gram (TAG) for reference by safety managers
ONLY. Installations MUST establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on the TAG 002-95. This
summary DOES NOT constitute the complete procedure to be followed when testing and/or discharging batteries.
Refer to TAG 002-95 to ensure your safety and protection to the environment.
I-1.
Purpose
This Technical Bulletin (TB) authorizes the use of TAG 002-95, 19 January 1995, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command,
Subject: Operational Guidelines for Field Inspection and Disposition of Lithium-sulfur Dioxide Batteries. This TAG is available from
your local CECOM Logistics Assistance Representative or the CECOM Safety office (see para 1-7).
I-2.
Scope
Three types of Li-SO2 type batteries, BA-5588/U, BA-5590/U, and BA-5598/U can be tested with Battery Test Set TS-4403A/U. If the
quantity of Li-S02 batteries justifies setting up a battery test facility, testing MUST BE performed in accordance with your locally
established SOP based on TAG 002-95. Requirements apply to the safe handling of Li-SO2 bat-teries procured and managed by
CECOM, Source of Supply B 16.
I-3.
Safety and Control Measures
Coordinate use of personal protective equipment with your local safety and preventative medicine personnel. Refer to Chapter 3 for
appropriate equipment. The following ANSI and/or NIOSH/MSHA approved personal protective gear is recommended when handling
"leaking" Li-SO2 batteries that are venting sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas:
(1) Acid-gas purifying or supplied-air respirator,
(2) Face shield or chemical splash goggles, and
(3) Chemically resistant gloves.
I-4.
General Requirements
WARNING
LITHIUM SULFUR DIOXIDE BATTERIES CONTAIN PRESSURIZED SULFUR DIOXIDE GAS. THIS GAS HAS A
PUNGENT ODOR AND IS HIGHLY TOXIC. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED WHEN
HANDLING DAMAGED AND/OR LEAKING BATTERIES.
NOTE
If the number of Li-SO2 batteries do not justify setting up a full battery test and discharge facility as described in TAG
002-95, batteries may be (1) shipped to the nearest battery test and discharge facility, or (2) discharged in a
controlled manner prior to disposition and disposal, in accordance with instructions in this TB.
a.
If the battery fails to operate your equipment it is "dead."
(1) If the battery was newly issued, file a Product Quality Deficiency Report, SF-368 as described in para 1-4.
(2) If it is damaged and unserviceable it should be disposed as hazardous waste (HW) in accordance with chapter 4
requirements.
b.
If the battery is NOT dead, but upon visual inspection you find that:
(1) It can't be discharged it should be disposed as HW in accordance with chapter 4 requirements.
(2) You are unable to test the battery, or do not desire to test it, the battery should be discharged prior to disposition
and disposal with its built-in complete discharge device (CDD). See para I-6 and chapter 4.
(3) If you believe the battery is serviceable for other purposes you may ship it to a test facility on your installation in
accordance with your local SOP.
I-1
