5
2
Safety Instructions
2.1
Proper intended use
The transport container is used for transporting and storing lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells
and batteries. The transport container shall be used only in an undamaged and unmodified
condition. The integrity of the transport container shall be checked before each use.
2.2
Hazard potential of lithium ion cells and batteries
With today's manufacturing standards, it can be assumed that lithium-ion cells and batteries,
when properly used and handled, are safe. However, damage can lead to an irreversible, de-
structive reaction, a so-called thermal runaway. Such damage could be, for example:
•
mechanical damage
•
heat stress
•
overcharging
•
outer short circuit
•
total discharge
•
ageing (dendrite formation)
Such damage can cause the cell to heat up, resulting in a decomposition reaction of cell com-
ponents. This decomposition reaction in turn leads to further heating, which then causes the
decomposition process to accelerate uncontrollably. These reactions also lead to the for-
mation of large quantities of toxic and flammable gases, which in interaction with the high
temperatures of the cell can lead to severe fire events. This intense release of heat can conse-
quently cause thermal runaway in the adjacent cells, so that under certain circumstances the
entire battery reacts.
The escaping gases include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H
2
), carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and
oxygen (O
2
). It is also possible that hydrogen fluoride (HF) escapes, which can react with the
air humidity to form hydrofluoric acid. If the escaping reaction gas does not ignite, it can mix
with the air oxygen to form an explosive atmosphere.
Due to the high hazard potential ensuing from damage that may not always be visible from the
outside, we recommend that returned batteries should always be stored in corresponding
safety containers.
