Secondary Smart Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Packs

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Classification of Products Secondary battery packs are enclosed in UL-94, V-0 enclosures designed to withstand temperatures and pressures encountered during normal use. The hazardous component in battery packs is the Nickel Metal Hydride cell. Under normal use the battery cells present no physical danger of ignition or explosion and chemical danger of hazardous materials leakage Battery cells are designed to vent gas to prevent explosion, if exposed to a fire, added mechanical shocks, electrically abused or physically damaged. This leaked gas could contain material classified as hazardous 2.2 Label and Markings: 2.2.1 Example of Battery Pack Markings: 2.3 Effect(s) of Hazard Exposure: Human Health Effects if Exposed to Cell Venting: Skin Contact: The steam or liquid of the cell electrolyte can have adverse reactions to the skin. If cell electrolyte contacts skin it can cause severe irritation, chemical burns or dermatitis. Eye Contact: The steam or liquid of the cell electrolyte can have adverse reactions to the eyes. If cell electrolyte contacts the eyes it can cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Inhalation: The steam or liquid of the cell electrolyte can have adverse reactions if inhaled. If cell electrolyte is inhaled it may cause severe respiratory irritation, bronchitis or pneumonia. Ingested: Swallowing or ingesting the contents of an open cell can cause serious chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Not Available

Interactions with other chemicals

Immersion in high conductivity liquids may cause corrosion and breaching of the cell or battery enclosure. If vented cell electrolyte contacts water it will generate detrimental hydrogen fluoride.

Environmental effects

Not Available

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Secondary battery packs are enclosed in UL-94, V-0 enclosures designed to withstand temperatures and pressures encountered during normal use. The hazardous component in battery packs is the Nickel Metal Hydride cell. Under normal use the battery cells present no physical danger of ignition or explosion and chemical danger of hazardous materials leakage. Battery cells are designed to vent gas to prevent explosion, if exposed to a fire, added mechanical shocks, electrically abused or physically damaged. This leaked gas could contain material classified as hazardous.