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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
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| Issued: 10/17/2002 |
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Section 1 – IDENTIFICATION
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| Product Name: |
LITHIUM THIONYL CHLORIDE
CELLS AND BATTERIES |
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Hermetically-Sealed Lithium Thionyl Chloride
Batteries
All Electrochem 100, 150, 150/165MR, 180/180MR, 200/200MR series,
QTC, MWD and VHT cells
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Section 2 – COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON
INGREDIENTS
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Thionyl Chloride
7719-09-7
Lithium
7439-93-2
Carbon
1333-86-4
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OSHA: 1.0 ppm (5.0 mg/m3)
ceiling
ACGIH: 1.0 ppm (5.0 mg/m3) ceiling
TLV/PEL N/A
ACGIH: 3.5 mg/m3 TLV/TWA |
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Section 3 – HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
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**DANGER** INTERNAL CONTENTS
ARE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. LEAKING FLUID IS CORROSIVE. BATTERY MAY BE
EXPLOSIVE AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES.
Do not expose to temperatures above the maximum rated temperature
as specified by the manufacturer due to leak hazard.
If cell or battery leaks or vents Primary Routes of Entry:
Inhalation
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by NTP, IARC, or regulated by OSHA.
Health Hazards: Acute – Vapors are very irritating
to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation of thionyl chloride
may result in pulmonary edema.
Chronic – Overexposure can cause symptoms of non-fibrotic
lung injury
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Eye and mucous membrane irritation.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Asthma,
other respiratory disorders, skin allergies, and eczema. |
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Section 4 – FIRST AID MEASURES
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Eye Contact: Flush with running
water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids apart. Seek immediate
medical attention. Contact results in acidic burns.
Skin Contact: Rinse with large amounts of running water. Avoid
hot water and rubbing skin. If burns develop, seek medical attention.
Contact results in acidic burns.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult,
administer oxygen. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
May result in pulmonary edema.
Ingestion: Drink copious amounts of water (or milk if available).
Do not induce vomiting. NEVER GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH TO AN UNCONSCIOUS
PERSON. Immediately seek medical attention. |
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Section 5 – FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
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Flash Point: N/A
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Auto-Ignition Temp: N/A
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Flammable Limits: N/A
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Danger - Do not use water
Extinguisher Media: Lith-X powder, Class D fire extinguisher,
Dry Lithium Chloride, Graphite Powder, Pyrene G-1.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Cover with Lith-X powder,
Class D fire extinguisher, dry lithium chloride, or graphite powder.
DO NOT USE WATER, moist sand, CO2, Class ABC, or soda ash extinguisher.
Wear protective breathing apparatus; a positive pressure Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), or Air Purifying Respirator (APR).
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Do not short circuit, recharge,
over discharge (discharge below 0.0 Volts), puncture, crush or expose
to temperatures above the maximum rated temperature as specified by
the manufacturer. Cell may leak, vent, or explode. If a bright white
flame is present, lithium content is exposed and on fire; use a Class
D fire extinguisher, Do not use water. |
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Section 6 – ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
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Accidental Releases: Do not
breathe vapors or touch liquid with bare hands (see section 4).
Waste Disposal Methods: Evacuate area. If possible, a trained
person should attempt to stop or contain the leak by neutralizing
spill with soda lime or baking soda. A NIOSH Approved Acid Gas Filter
Mask or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus should be worn. Seal leaking
battery and soda lime or baking soda in a plastic bag and dispose
of as hazardous waste.
Other: Follow North American Emergency Response Guide (NAERG)
#138 for cells involved in an accident, cells that have vented, or
have exploded. |
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Section 7 – HANDLING & STORAGE
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Storage: Cells should be stored
at room temperature, approx. 21oC (70oF). Do not store batteries in
high humidity environments for long periods. High Temperature storage
will degrade performance.
Precautions: Do not short circuit or expose to temperatures
above the maximum rated temperature as specified by the manufacturer.
Do not recharge, over discharge, puncture or crush.
Other Conditions: Do not store cells in high humidity environments
for long periods of time. |
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Section 8 – EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL
PROTECTION
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When handling internal components:
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH Approved Acid Gas Filter Mask,
or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Protective Gloves: Nitrile or PVC, Gloves should be 15 ml
(0.015 in), or thicker.
Eye Protection: Chemical Worker Safety Glasses or face shield.
Ventilation To Be Used: Negative pressure chemical fume hood.
Other Protective Clothing & Equipment: Chemical Laboratory
Safety Glasses, Protective Apron, Acid Resistant Protective Clothing,
and face shield.
Hygienic Work Practices: Use good chemical hygiene practice.
Do not eat or drink when handling contents. Avoid unnecessary contact.
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Section 9 – PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Boiling Point:
Vapor Pressure:
Vapor Density:
Solubility in Water:
Specific Gravity:
Melting Point:
Evaporation Rate:
Water Reactive:
Appearance & Odor: |
Thionyl Chloride: 77°C
Thionyl Chloride: 92mm @ 20 °C
Thionyl Chloride: 4.1
Thionyl Chloride: Decomposes violently on contact with water.
Thionyl Chloride: 1.63
Thionyl Chloride: -105 °C
N/A
Thionyl Chloride hydrolyzes to form SO2 and HCl gasses and strongly
acidic wastewater.
Thionyl Chloride – Colorless to pale yellow; sharp, pungent odor.
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Section 10 – STABILITY & REACTIVITY
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Stability: Stable
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Incompatibility: N/A
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Hazardous Polymerization: Will not
occur.
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Conditions to Avoid: Temperatures above the maximum rated temperature
as specified by the manufacturer due to leak hazard. High humidity
for extended periods.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur Dioxide (g), Hydrogen
Chloride (g).,
Hydrogen (g) |
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Section 11 – TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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Acute Toxicity:
Thionyl Chloride
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LC50 (Inhalation):
LD50:
Eye Effects:
Skin Effects: |
1274 ppm (rat 1-hr)
N/A
Corrosive
Corrosive |
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Section 12 – ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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| Aquatic Toxicity: Do not let
internal components enter marine environments. Avoid releases into
waterways, wastewater or groundwater. |
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Section 13 – DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
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Proper Shipping Name: Waste
Lithium Batteries
UN Number: 3090
Hazard Classification: Class 9 (Misc.)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: MISCELLANEOUS, HAZARDOUS WASTE
Waste Disposal Code: D003
Other: All lithium thionyl chloride batteries should be disposed
of by a certified hazardous waste disposal facility. Contact Electrochem-Canton
for recommended disposal facilities. |
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Section 14 – TRANSPORT INFORMATION
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US DOT (per CFR 172.101) and IATA/ICAO
Proper Shipping Name: Lithium Batteries
UN Number: UN 3090 (UN 3091 for Lithium Batteries in Equipment)
Hazard Classification: Class 9 (Misc.)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: MISCELLANEOUS HAZARD CLASS 9
Other: CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY
Non-Hazardous Batteries: If the batteries contain less than 1.0 grams
of lithium or lithium alloy per battery pack they are not restricted
for shipping purposes by ground or air. If single cells contain less
than 0.5 grams of lithium or lithium alloy, they are not restricted
for shipping by ground or air. |
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Section 15 – REGULATORY INFORMATION
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OSHA Status: This product is
considered an “Article” and the internal component (thionyl
chloride) is hazardous under the criteria of the Federal OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard 29 CFR 1920.1200.
Shipping Requirements: Lithium batteries and cells are subject
to the shipping requirements and exceptions under 49 CFR
173.185. All lithium/thionyl chloride cells with a lithium or lithium
alloy content of greater than 0.5 are restricted and subject to DOT
(49 CFR) and IATA shipping regulations. Cells that contain less than
0.5 grams of lithium or lithium alloy and batteries that contain less
than 1.0 grams of lithium or lithium alloy are unrestricted, and they
can be shipped by any means [49 CFR 173.185(a)(c)].
IATA: Lithium batteries have to be separated to prevent external
short circuits, and must be packed in inner fiberboard containers
(no more than 500 grams of lithium per inner container). The containers
may then be packed with at least one inch of non-combustible packing
material (vermiculite) separating each inner package in UN approved
fiberboard boxes, steel drums,
fiber drums, or wooden boxes. These packages must be printed with
a United Nations Marking Symbol (section 6.0 of IATA shipping regulations). |
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Section 16 – OTHER INFORMATION
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Lithium Battery Safety
With proper use and handling, lithium batteries have demonstrated
an excellent safety record. The success and wide use of lithium batteries
is partially due to the fact that they contain more energy per unit
weight than conventional batteries. However, the same properties that
result in a high energy density also contribute to potential hazards
if the energy is released at a fastuncontrolled rate. In recognition
of the high-energy content of lithium systems, safety has been incorporated
into the design and manufacture of all Electrochem batteries. However,
abuse or mishandling of lithium batteries can still result in hazardous
conditions. The information provided here is intended to give users
some guidelines to safe handling and use of Electrochem
lithium batteries.
Cell Abuse
In general, the conditions that cause damage to cells and jeopardize
safety are summarized on the label of each cell. These conditions
include:
• Short Circuit
• Charging
• Forced Over discharge
• Excessive heating or incineration
• Crush, puncture or disassembly
• Very rough handling or high shock and vibration could also
result in cell damage.
Cell Handling and Inspection Guidelines
The most frequent forms of cell abuse can easily be identified and
controlled in the workplace. It is our experience that inadvertent
short circuits are the largest single cause of field failures.
Problems associated with shorting as well as other hazardous conditions
can be greatly reduced by observing the following guidelines:
• Cover all metal work surfaces with an insulating material.
• The work area should be clean and free of sharp objects that
could puncture the insulating sleeve on each cell.
• Never remove the shrink-wrap from a cell or battery pack.
• All persons handling cells should remove jewelry items such
as rings, wristwatches, pendants, etc., that could come in contact
with the battery terminals.
• If cells are removed from their original packages for inspection,
they should be neatly arranged to preclude shorting.
• Cells should be transported in plastic trays set on push carts.
This will reduce the chances of cells being dropped on the floor,
causing physical damage.
• All inspection tools (calipers, rulers, etc.) should be made
from non conductive materials, or covered with a non conductive tape.
• Cells should be inspected for physical damage. Cells with dented
cases or terminal caps should be inspected for electrolyte leakage.
If any is noted, the cell should be disposed of in the proper manner.
Cell Storage
Cells should be stored in their original containers. Store cells in
a well ventilated, cool, dry area. Store cells in an isolated area,
away from combustible materials. Never stack heavy objects on top
of boxes containing lithium batteries to preclude crushing or puncturing
the cell case.
Handling During Product Assembly
All personnel handling batteries should wear appropriate protective
equipment such as safety glasses.
• Do not solder wires or tabs directly to the battery. Only solder
to the leads welded to the cell by the manufacturer.
• Never touch a cell case directly with a hot soldering iron.
Heat sinks should be used when soldering to the tabs, and contact
with the solder tabs should be limited to a few seconds.
• Cells should not be forced into (or out of) battery holders
or housings. This could deform the cell causing an internal short
circuit, or fracturing the glass to metal hermetic seal.
• All ovens or environmental chambers used for testing cells
or batteries should be equipped with an over-temperature controller
to protect against excessive heat.
• Only precision convection ovens should be used for cell testing.
Lesser ovens may exhibit uneven heating and hot spots that can exceed
the rated temperature of the battery.
• Do not connect cells or batteries of different chemistries
together.
• Do not connect cells or batteries of different sizes together.
• Do not connect old and new batteries together.
• Consult Electrochem before encapsulating batteries during discharge.
Cells may exceed their maximum rated temperature if insulated.
Although we have provided a general overview of lithium battery safety
and handling, we urge you to call us with any questions.
Our technical services staff will be pleased to assist you with your
questions. |
