Classification - Interim Storage - Packaging - Transport: Classification
| Assessment areas Visual/Sensory | Functional/Electric | Thermal | Classification | Immediate measures |
| No mechanical damage | Battery can be diagnosed | Normal | ||
| No escaping fluids | No critical faults in the fault memory | Temperature within tolerance range | Non-critical: No measures must be taken | None required |
| Mechanical damage | Battery cannot be diagnosed | Warning | Quarantine | |
| Pungent odour | Battery can be diagnosed; critical fault in fault memory for cell voltage and/or temperature | Surface temperature outside of tolerance range or < 80°C/176°F | Critical: Failure to comply with recommended measures can result in serious injury/death | Move outside immediately |
| Escaping fluids | Surface temperature has exceeded tolerance range > 80°C/176°F | Danger | Keep a safe distance away | |
| Smoke/Steam | Dangerous: Failure to comply with recommended measures will result in serious injury/death | In the event of a fire, call the fire brigade immediately; do not inhale smoke fumes | ||
| Fire | Cordon off a wide area and inform the importer |
States:
Normal (undamaged, minor defects, can be diagnosed),
Warning (damaged, serious defects, can be diagnosed with critical fault memory),
Danger (seriously damaged, major defects with thermal effect). It may be possible to change batteries classified with "Warning" to a non-critical state by carrying out repairs or safety measures.
Timing of classification:
- When a battery is removed from the car and transferred to the transport process.
- If there are faults in the battery.
- After an accident, if the airbag or seat-belt pretensioner was triggered and obvious damage was caused to the battery.
- When a battery is to be taken out of quarantine.
- If a replacement battery is received and its packaging is damaged.
- When there are indicators of a change in classification.
Classification procedure:
Visual, thermal - using temperature gauge (VAS 6886) - and functional - using the PIWIS Tester - and performed by a High voltage technician (HVT).
If the battery is removed, the diagnostic box (VAS 5581) must also be used between the battery and Tester.
Classification procedure:
See "Test log for classification of lithium-ion batteries" in the PIWIS information system.
Documentation:
Fully completed and signed classification log must be archived in the order folder and a copy must be included in the transport packaging.