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4. Guidelines

Safe Storage, Use and Disposal of Batteries

Background

In federal departments, as well as in crown corporations, there are many types of batteries in use. Batteries will vary in shape, size and chemistry. Generally speaking, there are three main types of batteries:

• Consumer non-rechargeable batteries widely available in common sizes, e.g., AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volts, etc.);
• Consumer rechargeable batteries (Available in common sizes such as AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volts, etc. For example, lithium type rechargeable batteries, Nickel-Cadmium, Metal-Hydride batteries, etc.); and
• Industrial batteries (e.g., lead-acid, which can be found in vehicles, emergency lighting, fire alarm panels, etc.).

Not all batteries have the same chemistry. Some are non toxic (such as alkaline or lithium types), while others are quite dangerous (lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, etc.). This is why it is very important to be aware of the following guidelines in battery safety in order to reduce the risk of fire and to safeguard the safety of the user and the environment:

Do

• Install and use batteries properly;
• Keep batteries dry and away from any heat sources (including direct sunlight);
• Protect the battery terminals from contacting with conductive materials;
• Remove batteries from equipment when not in use;
• Install batteries in well ventilated areas to prevent the build-up of explosive gases;
• Charge rechargeable batteries according to their size and type in a charger specifically designed for that type of battery;
• Remove depleted or weak batteries from device;
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when working with batteries;
• Wash area of skin with soap and water if exposed to battery electrolyte. If acid enters the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cold running water and consult a doctor.

Don’t

• Mix batteries of different chemistries, ages or brands;
• Use damaged batteries;
• Charge batteries in locations where hazards are present;
• Dispose of batteries in fire;
• Short circuit batteries (fire or explosion can occur);
• Attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries;
• Charge batteries in temperatures lower than 0^oC or higher than 40^oC;
• Damage, disassemble or otherwise tamper with a battery;
• Connect batteries in parallel;
• Leave battery-powered devices switched on when the battery is depleted.

Battery Storage

In order to preserve the functionality of the battery for as long as possible, as well as to ensure safety when storing batteries, the following procedures should be observed:

• Batteries should be kept in cool and dry areas. Storing the battery in the refrigerator is recommended, however freezers are not. To avoid condensation and ensure dryness of the battery, it is suggested that the battery be placed in a sealable container or a plastic bag.
• Keep batteries in well-ventilated area away from any heat or ignition sources. Electrical fitting in the storage area should be flame proofed.
• Store batteries of like chemistries together, and separate from other chemistries which may be present.
• Never store batteries with explosive materials, flammable materials, chemicals or food.
• Enforce No Smoking policies in the battery storage/charging area.
• Prior to storage of rechargeable lithium or nickel type batteries, it is recommended that the battery is not fully charged, but rather it should be stored at approximately 40 % state-of-charge.
• Do not leave rechargeable lithium type batteries discharged after use or store them fully depleted. If completely discharged, charge for about 30 minutes before storing.
• After a long storage period of nickel-based batteries, it is recommended that they be trickle charged for a period of 24 hours. It is also recommended that the battery’s capacity be analyzed with a battery analyzer before use.
• Always store lead-acid batteries at full charge.
• Lead-acid batteries should be recharged or topped up after storage of six months and longer to prevent the voltage from dropping below 2.1 volts per cell.

Other general notes about battery storage

• Lead-acid batteries can be stored unused for up to two years.
• Nickel-metal-hydride batteries can be stored unused for periods of up to three years. However, the capacity drop that occurred during storage is permanent.
• Nickel-cadmium batteries can be stored unused for up to 5 years, whereas for alkaline and lithium batteries storage of up to 10 years is possible. The capacity loss in these types of batteries during storage is minimal.

The following is a chart summarizing the maximum recommended storage periods of batteries of various chemistries, the expected charge cycles the battery may undergo, as well as its toxicity:

*These are average numbers and may vary depending on manufacturers, as well as the use the battery will undergo.

Battery Disposal

It is important to properly dispose of batteries because some chemistry types, such as nickel-cadmium or even lead-acid (etc.) are very toxic to the environment and can compromise the health of people. These toxic batteries fall within the hazardous waste category. Consequently, Environment Canada (EC) has a mandate to provide advice on hazardous waste disposal to other federal departments and crown agencies. EC’s mandate is set out in the following:

• The Government Organization Act;
• Treasury Board Guidelines on Real Property Management;
• Fisheries Act;
• Toxic Substance Management Policy.

The hierarchy of options that should be taken when choosing a disposal option for material that is waste at a particular site is:

1. Re-use or return. If the material can’t be reused at the facility where it is waste, it may be useful at a nearby federal facility. Alternatively, the manufacturer may accept return of unused product.
2. Recycle. Can the waste be returned to the manufacturer for recycling?
3. Reject. Waste may be properly disposed of at provincially licensed landfills or by licensed haulers at licensed waste facilities.

It is to be noted that as soon as waste leaves the federal property, it is subject to the applicable provincial disposal regulations.

Although some types of batteries are non-toxic to the environment, such as lithium or even alkaline batteries, it is always recommended to return these depleted batteries for recycling to designated drop off points located within major federal buildings or at commercial shopping establishments.

Note

This Guideline is an expansion of an interpretation originally published in 1978 as RID No. 78-29.

Technical Interpretations are issued from time to time by Fire Protection Services for the guidance of staff and client departments in the application of fire protection standards. For further information or assistance, contact your nearest Fire Protection Services office.

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Date Modified:

2011-08-29