Assessment of the transportability of lithium-ion starter/auxiliary batteries in service workshops

Initiating: 

For analysis or disposal purposes, it is necessary to transport used lithium-ion starter/auxiliary batteries. These lithium-ion based batteries are to be classified as hazardous material according to UN 38.3, and may only be transported under particular prerequisites.

The maintenance of certified transportability from the time of determination until handover of the starter/auxiliary battery to the disposal/transport company is the responsibility of the designated specialist. When shipping, the influence of the storage conditions and other possible events upon the determined transportability must be taken into account. If the previously certified transportability is presumed to no longer apply, it must be reassessed using the guideline.

Transport in the context of dangerous goods law is divided into three areas:

1. Assessment of the transportability
2. Transport preparation
3. Performing the transport

This service information contains all the information necessary to determine the transportability of a used lithium-ion starter/auxiliary battery. Transport preparation and performance of the transport is not  part of this service information.

There it is explained which measures are necessary to determine the transportability.

How these measures are to be performed individually depends on the particular situation at the location and is not an element of this service information. These processes are to be defined in accordance with the local regulations/laws and included in locally applicable work instructions.

Prerequisites from a security perspective: 

Be aware that working on the open battery is prohibited  .

The designated specialist is responsible for the analysis, assessment and certification of the transportability of lithium-ion starter/auxiliary batteries.

The following specifications for work safety must also be observed:

Storage of lithium-ion starter/auxiliary batteries

In addition, the following points must also be observed from an occupational safety point of view:

The battery must always be protected against short circuits. (cover the terminal) 

Assessment of lithium-ion starter/auxiliary batteries 

NAME	Date	Serial no.	VIN

Signature: -------------------- 

Visual assessment: 

Smoke	Yes	No
Leakage of solid, liquid or gaseous substances	Yes	No
Evidence of fire damage	Yes	No
Heat development	Yes	No
Deformations, changes or damages to the battery housing, which indicate an increased application of force (scratches up to 0.5 mm in depth and a length of 5 cm are permitted)	Yes	No
Cracks or broken up housing	Yes	No
Electrolyte smell	Yes	No
Noise	Yes	No
Loose connections, loose or damaged	Yes	No
Serial number/label safety instructions cannot be read	Yes	No
Data matrix code not legible or no working LIN bus communication can be established	Yes	No
Suspected water damage	Yes	No

The serial number must be clearly visible. If the nameplate can no longer be read, the housing of the lithium-ion starter/auxiliary battery must be clearly marked with the serial number.

The label of the safety instructions must be replaced if it is illegible.

The visual assessment must be recorded in writing!

If one or more points are answered with "yes", clarification on how to proceed further must be sought from technical support. Furthermore, the removed lithium-ion starter/auxiliary battery must be cordoned off with barrier tape. If the lithium-ion starter/auxiliary battery is still in the vehicle, the vehicle must be parked outside  .