EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recovery/Recycling of NiMH HV
Battery Pack
Clean up of the HV battery pack can be accomplished by the vehicle
recovery crew without further concern of runoff or spillage.
For information regarding recycling of the HV battery pack, contact the
nearest Lexus dealer or Lexus Australia.
Spills
The RX400h contains the same common automotive fluids used in
other non-hybrid Lexus vehicles, with the exception of NiMH
electrolyte used in the HV battery pack. The NiMH battery electrolyte is
a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues.
The electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the cell plates and will not
normally spill or leak out even if a battery module is cracked.
A catastrophic crash that would breach both the metal battery pack
case and the plastic battery module would be a rare occurrence.
Similar to the use of baking soda to neutralise a lead-acid battery
electrolyte spill, a dilute boric acid solution or vinegar can be used to
neutralise a NiMH battery electrolyte spill.
In an emergency, check the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
on page 20.
•
Handle NiMH electrolyte spills using the following
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Splash shield or safety goggles. Fold down helmet shields are
not acceptable for acid or electrolyte spills.
Rubber, latex or nitrile gloves.
Apron suitable for alkaline.
Rubber boots.
•
Neutralise NiMH Electrolyte
Use a boric acid solution or vinegar.
Boric acid solution - 800 grams boric acid to 20 litres water.
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