LEAKING/SMOKING/FLAMING BATTERY PROCEDURES

Use care while handling batteries during testing, sorting, and disassembly activities. Puncturing, bending, or dropping batteries can cause damage to the battery that may result in a battery that is leaking, smoking, or that could combust resulting in fire. Extra care should be taken while handling a battery that appears damaged in any way or is swollen.

If a battery is leaking, place the battery in a sealed bag and place in the appropriate container in the universal waste area.

1. Wear the appropriate PPE as necessary when handling the leaking battery

   • Heat Resistant Gloves

   • Use tongs or scoop to handle the battery

2. Notify your supervisor and the Facilities Manager

In the event you discover a smoking or flaming battery, notify people in the area to evacuate the area and send someone to notify the Facilities Manager.

1. Protect yourself and avoid breathing the smoke.

3. If you feel comfortable extinguishing the battery - use the nearest fire extinguisher.

   • Remember the Acronym P.A.S.S when using the Fire Extinguisher

     1. Pull – the pin

     2. Aim – the nozzle

     3. Squeeze – the trigger/handle

     4. Sweep – from side to side at the base of the fire.

4. Once the reaction has been controlled take the remnants of the battery and place battery in the Battery Disposal container

   • Wear the appropriate PPE as necessary when handling the smoking or extinguished battery

     1. Heat Resistant Gloves

     2. Use the Tongs to handle the battery

After the fire has been extinguished, notify the Facility Manager who will clear the department to return to the area.

The Facility Manager will ensure the fire extinguishers are restocked/serviced after use.

Once the battery incident has been responded to, the Facility Manager must complete an Incident Report. This report will be retained according to the Records Management Table.