Li-ion battery Powerwall LiFePO4 battery

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Lithium Ion batteries are classified as manufactured ‘articles’ and are not hazardous when operated in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Batteries present no chemical hazards during normal operation provided the recommendations for handling, storage, transport and usage are followed. If the battery is broken and the internal components exposed, health hazards exist which require careful attention. When a battery cell is exposed to an external short-circuit, crushes, deformation, high temperature above 100 °C, it will cause heat generation and ignition. The chemical hazards relate to the released contents (internal electrolyte). Undamaged sealed batteries normally present a low hazard, however damaged batteries may release toxic, harmful and irritating contents. Disassembly, abuse or destruction of battery cell may cause violent explosion with scattering of contents. Heating may cause bursting of contents.

Classification according to GHS

According to Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) Not classified as a hazardous chemical according to Safe Work Australia criteria.

2.2 Label elements

No GHS signal word, pictograms, hazard or precautionary statements have been allocated. Other hazards and precautions: • When recharging batteries, never use chargers which are unsuitable for the battery type. • Do not short-circuit batteries. • Do not inflict mechanical damage (puncturing, deforming, disassembling etc.). • Do expose to heat or incinerate them. • Keep batteries away from small children. • Always store batteries in a dry and cool place. • Contact with leaking battery substances may pose a danger to personal health and the environment. For this reason, when coming into contact with batteries with a conspicuous appearance (leaking substances, deformed, discoloured, dented or the like), adequate PPE and breathing protection is required. Lithium batteries can, for example, react very strongly in combination with fire. This can result in battery components being ejected with considerable force. Handling and operational safety Lithium batteries are always to be handled in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. This is true particularly for complying with the limits for maximum current load, charging and end-point voltages, and mechanical and thermal loads. Usually product packages are marketed that have already been matched. Such products are not to be modified or tampered with, since that could result in substantial safety hazards. Use only the charging process tailored to the respective cell type of a rechargeable battery. Danger As with other batteries, so also for lithium batteries it is true that even when thought to be discharged, they can still represent a source of danger. They can deliver a very high short-circuit current, however, even in the state of the minimum permitted end-point voltage lithium batteries with a high voltage (over 75 Volts) can pose a danger of a lethal electric shock. For most products, deep discharge beyond the documented limits leads to permanent damage. Deep- discharged lithium batteries are no longer permitted to be re-charged or operated. In all cases, avoid excessive charging voltages and overcharging. This can lead directly to critical situations, but also have a negative impact on battery life.