Battery Rescue currently supply its Used Lithium Battery (ULiB) Box and ULiB Bin for the safe and regulation compliant storage and transport of used Lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries have an increased fire risk compared to lead acid batteries due to their increased energy density. Lithium battery fires, sometimes with catastrophic outcomes, are increasingly being reported in the media. Below are some recommendations to reduce the possibility of battery fires:
- Avoid buying poor quality batteries (if they are cheap this should be a red flag)
- Avoid exposing to moisture (they do not like getting wet)
- If damaged, isolate from other batteries and infrastructure and if available package with fire suppresant (stories of batteries catching fire upto 24 hours after being dropped are common)
- Where possible keep in a cool environement
- Avoid overcharging – don’t leave on charge overnight
- When being stored with other used Lithium batteries take measures to reduce possibility of short circuits (i.e. non conductive, non combustible packaging material, taping terminals)
Below are the saftey instructions when using Battery Rescue’s ULiB and ULiB Bins for storing and transporting used lithium batteries:
Packaging Instructions for ULiB Box for Low Power Batteries
We define Low Powered batteries as any Lithium batteries (including other non lead acid chemistires) that are D Size or less. For these batteries we supply our ULiB Box with 6 heavy duty dry cell cartons as pictured below.
The Dry Cell Cartons will arrive flat packed so you will need a strong (preferrably clear) tape to tape the the base panels. When the carton is full then close and seal with tape and place in the ULiB Box.
When packaging batteries in the Dry Cell Cartons, ensure:
- No lead acid batteries are included (these are a different Dangerous Good from Lithium batteries and hence have different packaging requirements).
- No batteries larger than D Size, unless it is not Lithium. If uncertain of its chemistries and it is larger than D Size, do not include it.
- Damaged Lithium batteries cannot be inlcuded.
Packaging Instructions for High Power Batteries (ULiB Box and ULiB Bin)
We define High Powered batteries as any Lithium batteries (including other non lead acid chemistires) that are greater than D Size. We supply either a ULiB Box for smaller quantities of batteries or a ULiB Bin for larger quantities of large batteries (>12kg each).
Due to the extra fire risk posed by these batteries we supply the ULiB Box and ULiB Bin with fire suppresant granules (FSG). The Fire Suppresant Granules is designed to acitively extingusih battery fires, reduce short circuit risks and prevent excessive movenment of batteries during transport.
Safety Instructions for Storing & Transporting High Power Lithium Batteries
You can download our recommend packaging instructions for high power batteries in the ULiB Box here and for the ULiB Bin here.
Customer’s are also emailed an Equipment Instruction Manual on using the ULiB Boxes and Bins when initially supplied with the Boxes / Bins. This manual sets out the requirements for the safe assembly, use, handling, storage, and transport
preparation of Battery Rescue boxes and bins used to collect used lithium (and other dry non lead acid)
batteries. You can request a copy by contacting our team at sale@batteryrescue.com.au.
Note: Under the ADGC packaging requirements for Lithium batteries only 12kg or larger batteries are permitted in the ULiB Bin. For smaller batteries a UN Certified Device / Container must be used, such as the ULiB Box.
Lithium batteries should preferably be stored in a cool environement, which is not always possible on a mine site. We do suggest that the ULiB Boxes and ULiB Bins are stored undercover so they are not exposed to the direct sun. The boxes and bins should be stored well clear of any flammable hazards or infrasturcture that could be ignited in the event of a battery fire.
Examples of High Power Lithium Batteries
Returning the ULiB Box and ULiB Bin
When you are ready to return the ULiB Box or ULiB Bin you can find detailed return instructions including generating your DG Labels under the website menu Customers > Instructions for Returning Lithium Batteries.
