Guide 147: Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries

ERG 2024 Guide 147, page 1GUIDE 147 Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries POTENTIAL HAZARDS FIRE OR EXPLOSION • Lithium ion and sodium ion batteries contain flammable liquid electrolyte that may vent, ignite and produce sparks when subjected to high temperatures (> 150°C (302°F)), when damaged or abused (e.g., mechanical damage or electrical overcharging). • May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. • May ignite other batteries in close proximity. • • • • HEALTH Contact with battery electrolyte may be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Burning batteries may produce toxic hydrogen fluoride gas (see GUIDE 125). Fumes may cause dizziness or asphyxiation. PUBLIC SAFETY CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped. • • • • PROTECTIVE CLOTHING • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). • Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. EVACUATION Immediate precautionary measure • Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. Spill • Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. Fire • If rail car or trailer is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions; also initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 500 meters (1/3 mile) in all directions. Page 224 ERG 2024#

ERG 2024 Guide 147, page 2Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries GUIDE 147 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FIRE • A lithium ion or sodium ion battery fire may reignite at any point after the initial fire is extinguished, up to weeks later. • Use thermal imaging, if available, to continuously monitor the battery. • Reignition can be accompanied by off-gassing of white smoke or electrical arcs or sparks that reignite with visible flames or fire. CAUTION: The use of salt water for firefighting is not recommended since it may increase production of hydrogen and hydrogen fluoride gas. Vehicle Fire • If battery is not connected to a vehicle, see “Small Fire or Fire Involving Small Battery” below. • Check manufacturer’s specific emergency response guide before attempting to disable vehicle. • Turn off the ignition and disconnect the 12-volt battery if it can be done safely. • Never cut the high voltage (HV) or medium voltage (MV) cabling. • Never touch damaged or submerged HV or MV cables or components. • If available, use large amount of water to extinguish or suppress a high-voltage battery fire. Using small amount of water could release toxic gases. • If possible, spray water directly onto battery. • DO NOT pierce, cut, pry, or dismantle any of the vehicle's structure to access the battery. Contact with a high voltage component may cause an electric shock. Small Fire or Fire Involving Small Battery (e.g., personal electronic devices, e-bike, etc.) • • Water spray only (large amounts); do not use dry chemical, CO2 or Halon®. Large Fire or Fire Involving Large Battery or Multiple Small Batteries Allow battery fire to burn itself out and protect surroundings. • Safely remove undamaged containers from area. • Apply water spray to neighboring batteries to reduce the spread of the hazard. SPILL OR LEAK • ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. • Do not touch or walk through spilled material. • Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material. • Leaking batteries and contaminated absorbent material should be placed in metal containers. FIRST AID Refer to the “General First Aid” section. ERG 2024 Page 225#