Maxi or Midi

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

The battery pack for the transponder is a solid, manufactured article. Exposure to

Hazardous Ingredients

is not expected with normal use. The battery pack is not provided with any hazards identification. In normal use, the battery pack is placed inside the sealed transponder. Water ingression into the transponder can cause dangerous situations. Short-circuits, overheating, mechanical damage and exposure to water can start chemical reactions and high currents inside thetransponder lithium battery. This can generate noxious gases and/or danger of explosions. The chemical reactions will continue without additional supply of oxygen, as the battery cells contain the necessary ingredients for maintaining the chemical reactions. • If the cells that are used in the battery pack exceed the critical temperature of 180°C, they may explode. • In the event of external fire, the temperature inside the transponder can easily reach the critical limit of 180°C. • In the event of water ingression: – The battery temperature will increase. This is caused by the high internal currents. The temperature can easily reach the critical limit of 180°C. – An electrolytic process will produce hydrogen. Together with oxygen, hydrogen can create oxyhydrogen gas inside the transponder. This gas is explosive. – Chemical reactions in the battery pack will cause increased pressure inside the transponder. The transponder can explode if this pressure is high enough. 94 322217/F Battery safety data • In the event of an explosion, one or both end caps will blow out. The transponder will become fragmented. This can cause serious damage to personnel and/or equipment. • Some transponders have a relief valve to prevent overpressure. Noxious gases will then leak out of the transponder until the chemical reactions have stopped. Products generated by the chemical reactions during an emergency may however clog this pressure release valve.