National Technical Systems — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety AdministrationOfficial agency material

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Page 1U.S. Department of Transportation. 400 Seventh Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 Research and Special Programs Administration APR _ 2 1999 Mr. Steve Farrar Ref. No. 99-0042 National Ordnance, Munitions National Technical Systems and Environmental Test Center P.O. Box 3315 East Camden, AR 71701 Dear Mr. Farrar: This is in response to your letter of February 10, 1999, requesting clarification on the requirements for lithium batteries under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171-180). Specifically you ask whether a 32 volt lithium battery must be subjected to the tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, specifically paragraph 38.3.4.3.2.2.3. The answer is no. A lithium battery that exceeds the referenced nominal voltage is not subject to those tests. Such a battery would have each cell tested rather than the entire battery. I hope this information is helpful. Sincerely, Delmer F. Billings Chief, Standards Development Office of Hazardous Materials Standards 173.185 990042 09062059433#

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