8
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EC: Waste must be disposed in accordance with relevant EC directives and national, regional and local
environmental control regulations. For disposal within the EC, the appropriate code according to the
European Waste Catalogue (EWC) should be used.
Emergency procedures
Fire fighting measures
Rechargeable lithium ion batteries contain graphite, lithium phosphate, solvent and lithium salt. There is no metallic
lithium. The following extinguishing agents effectively control fires involving lithium ion batteries.
▪
Water will extinguish a lithium ion battery fire.
▪
Ordinary ABC fire extinguishers are effective since there is no metallic lithium in a lithium ion battery.
▪
CO2, dry chemical, and foam extinguishers are preferred for small fires, but may not extinguish burning lithium
ion batteries. Burning batteries will burn themselves out.
▪
LITH-X (powdered graphite) or copper powder fire extinguishers, sand, dry ground dolomite or soda ash may
also be used. These materials act as smothering agents.
First aid measures
In case of contact with electrolyte, gases, or combustion byproducts from a lithium battery or lithium ion battery release,
the following first aid measures should be considered:
▪
Inhalation: If contents of an opened cell are inhaled, remove source of contamination and move victim to
fresh air. Obtain medical advice.
▪
Eye contact: Eye contact with the contents of an opened cell can cause burns; immediately flush the
contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes while holding the eyelids
open. Neutral saline solution may be used if available. If necessary, continue flushing during transport to
emergency care facility. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto face.
Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.
▪
Skin contact: If skin contact with contents of an open cell occurs, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and
leather goods. Immediately flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes. If irritation or
pain persists, seek medical attention. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before
reuse or discard.
▪
Ingestion: If ingestion of contents of an open cell occurs, NEVER give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly
losing consciousness, or is unconscious or convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. DO
NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration.
Have victim rinse mouth with water again. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.
