{"operation":"document","citation":"14-0167","title":"Currie Associates, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2015-03-13","effective_on":null,"summary":"14-0167 response to Currie Associates, Inc. concerning 172.101, 173.22.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0167.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0167.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-14-0167","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/2015/140167.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nU.S. Department\n1200 New Jersey Avenue SE\nof Transportation\nWashington, DC\n20590\nPipeline and Hazardous\nMaterials Safety\nAdministration\nMAR 1 3 2015\nMr. Tom Ferguson\nDirector of Technical Services\nCurrie Associates, Inc.\n10 Hunter Brook Lane\nQueensbury, NY 12804\nReference No. 14-0167\nDear Mr. Ferguson:\nThis is in response to your September 11, 2014 inquiry requesting clarification of the\nHazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) applicable to the\nclassification of a Aqueous hybrid ion rechargeable battery. Specifically, you request\nconfirmation that the Aqueous hybrid ion rechargeable battery described in your letter does\nnot meet the definition of a lithium ion battery and suggest that the requirements of Special\nProvision 130, applicable to \"Batteries, dry, sealed, n.o.s.\" may be more appropriate.\nIn accordance with § 173.22, it is the shipper's responsibility to properly classify a\nhazardous material. This Office generally does not perform this function. However, based\non the information you provided relevant to the battery's components and electrolyte, the\nbattery does appear to meet the definition of a lithium ion cell or battery. In section 38.3\nof the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria a lithium ion cell or battery is defined as a\n\"rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery in which the positive and negative electrodes\nare both intercalation compounds (intercalated lithium exists in an ionic or quasi-atomic\nform with the lattice of the electrode material)...\" The battery under consideration uses\naqueous electrolyte with a lithium-containing cathode as in the case of \"lithium ion cells or\nbatteries,\" and works on the principle of intercalating lithium ions as well as sodium ions.\nFor these types of batteries, hazards include inherent electrical energy and rise of\ntemperature should short-circuiting occur. In addition, because of the low operating\nvoltages, application of any high voltage for recharging will result in electrolysis of water\nwhich generates flammable hydrogen and oxygen. These hazards must be addressed in the\nclassification of aqueous electrolyte based lithium ion cells and batteries.\nSpecial provision 130 applies to dry batteries not specifically covered by another entry in\nthe §172.101 Hazardous Materials Table (HMT). Some similarities in hazard exist\nbetween dry batteries and aqueous batteries in terms of electrical energy and short\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\ncircuiting potential; however, in our opinion the Aqueous hybrid ion rechargeable battery\ndescribed in your letter meets the definition of a lithium ion battery and is covered by an\nentry in the HMT, and therefore would not be eligible for transport in accordance with\nspecial provision 130, unless under the terms of a Special Permit.\nI hope this satisfies your request.\nSincerely,\nDuane A. PA\nDuane A. Pfund\nInternational Standards Coordinator\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nWhener.\n171116) 173-185\nGoodall, Shante CTR (PHMSA)\n14-016\nBatting\nFrom:\nBetts, Charles (PHMSA)\nSent:\nTo:\nFriday, September 12, 2014 6:30 AM\nCo:\nDodd, Alice (PHMSA); Goodall, Shante CTR (PHMSA)\nBenedict, Robert (PHMSA); Kelley, Shane (PHMSA); Pfund, Duane (PHMSA); El-Sibaie,\nSubject:\nMagdy (PHMSA)\nAttachments:\nSDS.pdf; Attachment 3 - UL1973 Test Results.pdf; Attachment 4 - Abuse Testing\nResults.pdf; Attachment 5 - Flame Propogation Testing Results.pdf\nPlease log and assign for response\nFrom: Currie Associates Tom Ferguson [mailto:tom@currieassociates.coml\nTo: El-Sibaie, Magdy (PHMSA)\nSent: Thursday, September 11, 2014 05:19 PM Eastern Standard Time\nchris@currieassociates.com <chris@currieassociates.com>\nCc: Betts, Charles (PHMSA); Kelley, Shane (PHMSA); Michael Eshoo <meshoo@aquion-energy.com>;\nSubject: Request for Letter of Interpretation Regarding Hybrid Ion Battery\nDr. El-Sibaie,\nPlease find attached a request for a letter of interpretation regarding Aquion's Aqueous Hybrid lon Battery. We have\nincluded product designs and relevant testing reports which describe the product and identify the minimal risk of this.\ntechnology in transport. Our client plans to ship the battery with all safety precautions necessary, however, the\ntechnology does not clearly fit into any existing descriptions. We request that PHMSA consider the information\nprovided and suggest guidance on how the battery should be prepared for transport.\nAquion and Currie Associates are available for comment should your office have any questions, either electronically, by\nteleconference, or in person. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any reason.\nThank you for your consideration of this issue.\nBest Regards,\nTom Ferguson, PG, CHMM, DGSA\nDirector of Technical Services\nCurrie Associates, Inc.\n10 Hunter Brook Lane\nQueensbury, NY 12804\nO: 770-486-5603\nF: 518-792-7781\nour members and has been answered to the best of our ability based on the information provided to us. We do not guarantee the\nThis information is intended to provide interpretative and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered as a service to\nprovide will guarantee compliance with any legal or regulatory requirements. Our statements or opinions do not convey legal\naccuracy or completeness of any such interpretation or information, however, nor do we warrant that compliance with any advice we\ninterpretation and govemment authorities or legal counsel should be contacted for such a response.\n1\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39' Street\nENERGY\n412.904.6400\nAqueous Hybrid Ion Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nAquion Energy Inc. Aqueous Hybrid Ion Rechargeable Battery\nThe batteries referenced herein are exempt articles and are not subject to the OSHA Hazard\nCommunication Standard requirement. This sheet is provided as a service to our customers and\npresumes normal conditions of use of the batteries.\nSafety Data Sheets (SDS) are a sub-requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\n(OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR Subpart 1910.1200. This Hazard Communication\nStandard does not apply to various subcategories including anything defined by OSHA as an \"article\".\nOSHA has defined \"article\" as a manufactured item other than a fluid or particle; (i) which is formed to a\nspecific shape or design during manufacture; (i) which has end use function(s) dependent in whole or in\npart upon its shape or design during end use; and (iii) which under normal conditions of use does not\nrelease more than very small quantities, e.g. minute or trace amounts of a hazardous chemical, and\ndoes not pose a physical hazard or health risk to employees.\nBecause all of our batteries are defined as \"articles\", they are exempt from the requirements of the\nHazard Communication Standard; hence an SDS is not required.\nSECTION 1: PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION\nSYNONYMS\nPRODUCT NAME\nAqueous Hybrid lon Rechargeable Battery\nNot known\nRELEVANT USE\nElectrical\nCHEMICAL FAMILY\nMANUFACTURER\nMixture\nAquion Energy, Inc.\nADDRESS\n32 39th Street\nEMERGENCY PHONE\n| 1-412-904-6400\nPittsburgh, PA 15206\nSECTION 2: HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION\nGLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING (GHS)\nOSHA HAZARDS\nTARGET ORGANS\nRespiratory System and the Cardiovascular System\nSIGNAL WORDS\nWarning\nPICTOGRAMS\nGHS CLASSIFICATION\nNot Classified\nGHS LABEL ELEMENTS\nHAZARD STATEMENTS\nExclamation Mark\nH316 Causes Mild Skin Irritation\nPage 1 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39* Street\nENERGY\n412.904.6400\nR.3202000\nAqueous Hybrid Ion Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021 B\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nPRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS\nHANDLING\nP261\nP280\nAvoid breathing dust\nRESPONSE\nWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection\nP304+340\nIF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position\nP305+P351+P338\ncomfortable for breathing.\nIF IN EYES; Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove\nP332+313\nIf skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention\ncontact lenses if present and easy to do so. Continue rinsing.\nSTORAGE\nP402\nP404\nStore in a dry place\nStore in a closed container\nCHRONIC HEALTH HAZARDS\nNone known\nMEDICAL CONDITIONS GENERALLY AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE\nNone known\nCARCINOGENICITY\nOSHA\nNot known\nNTP\nACGIH\nNot known\nNot known\nIARC\nNot known\nSECTION 3: COMPOSITION /INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS\nINGREDIENT\nWater\nCOMMON NAME\n7532-18-5\nCAS NUMBER\n% WT\nWater\n30-35\nSodium Sulfate\nSodium Sulfate\n7757-82-6\n2-5\nActivated Carbon\nSodium Lithium\nActivated Carbon\n7440-44-0\n5-8\nLithium Manganese Dioxide\nDititanium Triphosphate\nN/A\nN/A\n20-25\nLMO\n39457-42-6\n25-30\nGraphite\nPolypropylene\nGraphite\nPolypropylene\n7782-42-5\nPTFE\n9002-84-0\n9003-07-0\nNot applicable\n2-7\n0.5-2\nAcrylic\nAcrylic\nMixture\n0.5-2\nStainless Steel\nStainless Steel\nN/A\n8-10\nSECTION 4: FIRST AID MEASURES\nEYES\nContact with the contents of an opened battery can cause irritation. If eye contact with contents of an open cell\noccurs, immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes\nwhile holding the eyelids open. If irritation persists, transport the victim to an emergency care facility. If\nnecessary, continue flushing during transport to emergency care facility.\nContact with the contents of an opened battery may cause irritation. If skin contact with contents of an open\ncell occurs, as quickly as possible remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods. Immediately flush\nPage 2 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39t^ Street\nENERGY\n30L10n2088p093\n412.904.6400\nAqueous Hybrid lon Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021 B\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nwith lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.\nINGESTION\nGive one or two glasses of water to drink to any victim who may have ingested battery materials. Seek medical\ncenter immediately. Refer to oral ingestion limits based on LD50 values given below for individual chemical\nattention if gastrointestinal symptoms develop. If ingestion of a large amount does occur, call a poison control\nINHALATION\ncomponents.\nproducts, remove the affected victim from exposure. Provide artificial respiration if necessary and seek medical\nExposure to combustion products can be harmful. In case of adverse exposure to vapors or combustion\nattention. Inhalation of dust generated from an opened/damaged battery can result in irritation in the throat.\nMove to fresh air and get medical attention if discomfort continues.\nGENERAL\nContaminated clothing should be removed.\nSECTION 5: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES\nFLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR, (% BY VOLUME)\nUPPER\nNot known\nLOWER\nFLASH POINT\nNot known\nNot applicable\nFahrenheit\nAUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE\nNot known\nCelsius\nNot known\nNFPA HAZARD CLASSIFICATION\nHEALTH\n1\nFLAMMABILITY\n0\nREACTIVITY\nOTHER\nNot known\nGENERAL HAZARD\nbattery case ruptures. Combustion products include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The case itself may\nThe battery case may melt when heated above 120°C. The electrode materials may ignite in the event the\nburn above 250°C and toxic fumes may be generated as the case burns.\nEXTINGUISHING MEDIA\nSPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES\nWater or other suitable extinguishing may be used to put out a fire.\nIf possible, remove the battery from firefighting area. If heated above 120°C, battery case may melt exposing\nflammable electrode materials to the fire. However, there is no risk of explosion. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved\nfull-face self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full protective gear.\nUNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS\nWhen burned, hazardous products of combustion including carbon oxides can occur.\nNot known to be combustible but if dust is airborne keep a safe distance from dust cloud if ignition is possible.\nHAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS\nNot known\nPage 3 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39\" Street\n412.904.6400\n204014082: 030:\nAqueous Hybrid Ion Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021 B\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nSECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES\nACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES\nON LAND\nDo not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.\nUse a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter and place in containers to properly dispose. Avoid raising dust. Avoid\ninhalation of dust and contact with skin and eyes. Collect the spilled material in containers and prevent them\nIN WATER\nfrom contaminating water.\nIf possible, remove from water and call local fire/police department.\nNot known\nCONTAINMENT/CLEANUP\nSECTION 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE\nHANDLING\ntemperatures to below 0°C or above 60 °C.\nNo special protective clothing required for handling individual battery modules. Do not expose operating\nSTORAGE\nStore in a cool, dry place.\nOTHER PRECAUTIONS\nNot known\nSECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION\nENGINEERING CONTROLS\nKeep away from heat and open flame. Store in a cool, dry place.\nAirborne exposures to hazardous substances are not expected when product is used for its intended purpose.\nVENTILATION\nUse in well-ventilated area.\nRESPIRATORY PROTECTION\nNot required during normal operations. SCBA required in the event of a fire.\nEYE PROTECTION\nSKIN PROTECTION\nNot required beyond safety practices of employer.\nNot required for handling of cells.\nFOOT PROTECTION\nOTHER PROTECTIVE CLOTHING OR EQUIPMENT\nSteel-toed shoes recommended for large container handling.\nWORK HYGIENE PRACTICES\nHave a safety shower and eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.\nWash all exposed areas with soap and water.\nCONCENTRATION\nPPM\nOSHA PEL-TWA\nOSHA PEL STEL\nNot known\nmg/m3\nNot known\nOSHA PEL CEILING\nNot known\nNot known\nNot known\nNot known\nACGIH TLV-TWA\nNot known\nNot known\nACGIH TLV STEL\nACGIH TV CEILING\nNot known\nNot known\nNot known\nNot known\nPage 4 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39h Street\nENERGY\n412.904.6400\nAqueous Hybrid Ion Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021_B\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nSECTION 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES\nODOR\nAPPEARANCE\nSolid Object\nODOR THRESHOLD\nNo characteristic odor\nNot applicable\nPHYSICAL STATE\n7\nMELTING/FREEZING POINT\nSolid\nBOILING POINT\nNot known\nFLASH POINT\nNot known\nEVAPORATION RATE\nNot known\nNot known\nFLAMMABILITY (solid/gas)\nUPPER/LOWER\nNot known\nFLAMMABILITY/EXPLOSIVELIMITS\nNot known\nVAPOR PRESSURE\nVAPOR DENSITY\nNot known\nDENSITY\nNot known\nSOLUBILITY IN WATER\nNot known\nAUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE\nInsoluble\nDECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE\nNot known\nVISCOSITY\nNot known\nMOLECULAR WEIGHT\nNot known\nNot known\nSECTION 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY\nREACTIVITY\nNot known\nCHEMICAL STABILITY\nStable at standard temperature and pressure.\nNot known\nPOSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS REACTIONS\nCONDITIONS TO AVOID (STABILITY)\nAvoid exposing the cell to fire or temperatures above 80°C. Do not disassemble, crush, short or install with\nincorrect polarity. Avoid mechanical or electrical abuse.\nHAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION OR BY-PRODUCTS\nrelease toxic fumes if burned or exposed to fire.\nNo hazardous decomposition materials are generated during normal operating conditions. This material may\nWill not occur\nHAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION\nCONDITIONS TO AVOID (POLYMERIZATION)\nAvoid exposure to heat and open flame. Do not puncture, crush or incinerate.\nSECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION\nROUTES OF EXPOSURE\nSKIN CONTACT\nThe chemicals in this battery are contained in a sealed container.\nEYE CONTACT\nUnder normal conditions of use, no known risk of exposure exists via\ninhalation, ingestion, skin and eyes. Risk of exposure occurs only if the\nINHALATION\ncell is thermally or electrically abused to the point of compromising the\nPage 5 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 9>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39im Street\nENERGY\n1023000VCM\n412.904.6400\nAqueous Hybrid lon Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nINGESTION\nenclosure and/or initiating a fire. If this occurs, exposure to the\nSYMPTOMS (PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND TOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS)\ncombustion products may happen by inhalation of the vapors.\nNot known\nEFFECTS (DELAYED/IMMEDIATE & CHRONIC EFFECTS OF SHORT/LONG TERM EXPOSURE)\nNone known\nNUMERICAL MEASURES OF TOCIXITY\nCHEMICAL NAME\nSodium Sulfate\nLETHAL DOSE (LD50, oral, rat) mg/kg\nActivated Carbon\n5989\n10000\nSodium Lithium Dititanium Triphosphate\nUnknown\nManganese Dioxide\n3478\nPolypropylene\n2000-10000\nLithium Carbonate\n525\nGraphite\n2500\nSECTION 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION\nECOTOXICITY\nenvironment. The product is not classified as environmentally hazardous. The degradability of the product has\nUnder normal conditions, these materials are contained and pose no known risk to persons or the surrounding\nnot been stated. No data available on bioaccumulation.The batteries are not intended to be released into water\nPERSISTENCE AND DEGRADABILITY\nor on land but should be disposed or recycled according to local regulations.\nThe degradability of this material has not been stated\nBIOACCUMULATIVE POTENTIAL\nNot known\nMOBILITY IN THE SOIL\nNot known\nOTHER ADVERSE EFFECTS\nNot known\nSECTION 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS\nWASTE DISPOSAL METHOD\nDo not dump into any sewers, on the ground or into any body of water. Store material for disposal as indicated\nin Section 8 - Handling and Storage. Dispose of this material and its container to hazardous or special waste\ncollection point. Do not allow this material to drain into sewers/water supplies. Dispose of according to all\nfederal, state, and local regulations.\nRCRA HAZARD CLASS\nNot listed\nSECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION\nIn general, all batteries in all forms of transportation (ground, air, or ocean) must be packaged in a safe and\npackaged in a manner that prevents short circuits and be contained in \"strong outer packaging\" that prevents\nresponsible manner. Regulatory concerns from all agencies for safe packaging require that batteries be\nspillage of contents.\nUN NUMBER AND SHIPPING NAME\nPage 6 of 7\n\n<<<PAGE 10>>>\n\nAQUION\nPittsburgh, PA 15201\n32 39th Stree:\nENERGY\n20A0028/0100\n412.904.6400\nAqueous Hybrid lon Rechargeable Battery SDS\nSF-FM-00021_B\nRev Date: 8/5/2014\nNot known\nTRANSPORT HAZARD CLASS(ES)\nNot known\nU.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION\nThe sodium ion battery is not regulated by the DOT as a dangerous good. The individual constituents in the\nWATER TRANSPORTATION\nbattery are not regulated by DOT.\nNot known\nAIR TRANSPORTATION\nNot known\nOTHER AGENCIES\nNone\nSECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION\nU.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS\nOSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200\nManganese compounds are listed as hazardous materials. However, in an enclosed battery under normal\nconditions of use, no known risk of exposure exists.\nTSCA Section 8b - Inventory Status\nAll chemicals comprising this product are either exempt or listed on the TSCA Inventory.\nTSCA Section 12b - Export Notification\nIf the finished product contains chemicals subject to TSCA Section 12b export notification, they are listed below:\nLithium Manganese Oxide (CAS# 12057-17-9) -- 1.0% One-Time Export Notification only\nAs an article, this battery and its contents are not subject to the requirements of the Emergency Planning and\nSARA/TITLE 3 III (SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT)\nCommunity Right-To-Know Act.\nSTATE REGULATIONS\nNone known\nINTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS\nOTHER AGENCIES\nNone known\nNone known\nSECTION 16: OTHER INFORMATION\nDISCLAIMER: As the conditions of use of the product described herein are beyond our control, Aquion Energy inc.\nneither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any liability in connection with the use of the product.\nThe information provided herein is given in good faith, but Aquion Energy Inc. MAKES NO WARRANTIES,\nEXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND\nFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In no event shall Aquion Energy Inc. be liable for any special, incidental, or\nconsequential damages resulting from the use of the product or in reliance upon information herein.\nPage 7 of 7","truncated":false,"body_characters":19869}