It seems like yesterday that people said: lithium-ion batteries are the future. Today, it’s clear that the future has arrived, and these powerful batteries are our present reality. As we speak, many of the early electric vehicle and light means of transport batteries are reaching end-of-life, so the challenges that come with the growing stream of used batteries become more pressing each day (especially as the EU Commission is working on a new Battery Regulation).
Do you have a collection plan? Who is your partner for recycling or reuse? And how will you keep collected batteries safe between collection and recycling? There are many things to consider when dealing with lithium-ion batteries, but as always … safety comes first.
Rest assured, if you follow the advice in this article, you can protect your working environment and confine the risk of accidents to the container. What makes a safe storage & transport system for large lithium-ion batteries?
When handling lithium-ion batteries, safety is paramount, especially when you come in contact with used and potentially unstable batteries. Whether you are collecting, transporting, repairing or recycling used cells, potential hazards are always looming around the corner. To manage the risk of overheating, ignition, short circuits or even explosions in your workspace, it is crucial to prioritise secure storage.
This involves having a packaging system that provides the necessary features to minimise risks. To help you evaluate your system, we have created a list of relevant questions that you can refer to:
- Does the packaging system have a flame-retardant filter to prevent the spread of fire?
- Is there safe access for fire extinguishing without opening the packaging system?
- Is the packaging system thoroughly tested?
- Does the packaging system have an overpressure system that prevents the spread of fire?
- And what about your ease of use? When evaluating your system, it is crucial to consider whether it is user-friendly and convenient to operate, as a smooth workflow indirectly contributes to a safer environment. Can the packaging system be easily moved with a forklift or stacker?
- Can the packaging units be safely stacked on top of each other?
- Is the packaging system approved by the United Nations for transporting hazardous materials? This way it is also suitable for transportation of lithium-ion batteries in conformity with ADR regulations.
If you want to be absolutely sure your storage and transport system is safe and practical, we recommend choosing from our suggested options, which are pre-approved by the Reneos experts.
All of these options are suitable for safe transportation in compliance with ADR regulations. Read more about safe transport here.
Other safety measures to consider while handling lithium-ion batteries
Safe packaging, check! But to avoid all accidents, it’s important to also follow safety instructions when the batteries are being moved and handled.
These may include wearing appropriate protective gear, using insulated tools, and avoiding contact between the batteries and conductive materials. It's also important to handle the batteries carefully and avoid dropping, crushing, or puncturing them, as these actions can cause the battery to malfunction or even explode.
