POTENTIAL HAZARDS |
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- Lithium 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. |
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- 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. |
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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. |
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- Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). |
- Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. |
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Immediate precautionary measure |
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. |
Large Spill |
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). |
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. |
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE |
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Small Fire |
- Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. |
Large Fire |
- Water spray, fog or regular foam. |
- If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. |
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- 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. |
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- Call 911 or emergency medical service. |
- Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. |
- Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. |
- Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. |
- Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. |
- Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. |
- In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. |
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