SAFETY DATA SHEET
SECONDARY NICKEL-CADMIUM SEALED CELLS
Date issue: November 26th, 2003, edition A
The information contained within is provided as a service to our customers and for their information
only. The information and recommendations set forth herein are made in good faith and are believed
to be accurate at the date compiled. Saft makes no warranty expressed or implied.
1. IDENTIFICATION
1.1 Product
Sealed secondary (or rechargeable) Cells
Trade name and model: SAFT, V鈥? according model.
IEC designation: KR鈥? according international standard IEC 61951-1
Electrochemical system: Nickel/Cadmium, alkaline electrolyte
Positive electrode: Nickel hydroxide
Negative electrode: Cadmium hydroxide
Electrolyte: Potassium, Sodium and Lithium hydroxide in water solution.
Nominal voltage: 1.2Volts
1.2 Supplier
Name: SAFT
Address: 12 rue Sadi Carnot 鈥? 93170 BAGNOLET
Tel/Fax: +33 (0)1 49 93 19 18 / +33 (0)1 49 93 19 50
Emergency contact: SAFT local dealer.
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2. COMPOSITION (Weight percentage of basic materials)
Single cell with steel container
Metals % Plastics % Other %
Iron Fe 25 - 37 Polyamide PA/PP 2.5 - 3.5 Potassium K/Na/Li 1.8 - 2.9
Nickel Ni 20 - 28 Rubber EPDM < 0.05 Water H2O 4鈥?9
Cadmium Cd 10 - 15 Polyethylene PE 0.2 - 0.4 OH- 8 -14
Cobalt Co 0.4 -1.0 PVC 0.2 - 0.7
3. HAZARDS
A- Human hazards
A sealed Nickel-Cadmium cell is not hazardous in normal use.
3.1 Physical
Nickel plated steel can do not present any risk if cells are used for its intended purpose
and according to valid directions for use.
3.2 Chemical
Nickel plated steel can do not present chemical risk in normal use.
In case of misuse (abusive over charge, reverse charge, external short circuit鈥?) and in
case of default, some electrolyte can leak from the cell through the safety vent.
In these cases refer to the risk of the Alcaline hydroxides.
The toxic properties of the electrode materials are hazardous only if the materials are
released by mechanical damaging the cell or if exposed to fire.
Classification of dangerous substances contained into the cells.
SUBSTANCES CLASSIFICATION
Name EEC Number Symbol Letter Identification Special risk Safety
CAS Number of danger (1) advice
(2)
Cadmium 048-001-00-5 Cd(OH)2 Xn Harmful R 20/21/22 S 22
Hydroxide 21041-95-2
Nickel 028-008-x* Ni(OH)2 Xn Harmful R 20/22-43-40 S 22/36
Hydroxide 12054-48-7
Cobalt - Co(OH)2 Xn Harmful R22-42/43 S22-24-37
Hydroxide 21041-93-0
Alcalines 019-002-00-8 KOH C Corrosive R 35 S 26-37/39
hydroxide 1310-58-3 NaOH -45
LiOH
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(1) Nature of special risk
R 20/21/22 : Harmful by inhalation, skin contact or if swallowed.
R 20/22: Harmful by inhalation or if swallowed.
R 35: Causes serious burns.
R 40: Possible risk of irreversible effects.
R 43: May cause sensitising by skin contact.
R42/43: May cause sensitising by inhalation and skin contact.
(2) Safety advice
S 22: Do not breathe dust.
S 24: Avoid contact with skin
S 26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and
seek medical advice.
S 36: Wear suitable protection clothing.
S 37: Wear suitable gloves.
S 37/39: Wear suitable gloves and eyes/face protection.
S 45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
B- Ecological hazards
Metals used in a Ni-Cd cell, and specifically the cadmium, have to be collected and
recycled.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
In case of electrolyte solution spill ( cell leakage) precautions must be taken to avoid any
contact of human tissues. If it accidentally happens following must be done:
4.1 Inhalation
Fresh air. Rinse mouth and nose with water. Medical treatment.
4.2 Skin contact
Rinse immediately with plenty of water. Medical treatment.
4.3 Eyes contact
Rinse immediately with plenty of water during at least 15-30 min .Immediate hospital
treatment. Consult eye specialist.
4.4 Ingestion
If the injured is fully conscious: plenty of drink, preferably milk. Do not induce vomiting.
Immediate Hospital treatment.
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5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Class D-Dry chemical, sand, CO2.
Not to be used : Water.
5.2 Special exposure hazards
Cells can be overheated by an external source or by internal shorting and release
alcaline electrolyte mist or liquid. In fire situations fumes containing Cadmium may
evolve. Electrolyte reacts with zinc, aluminum, tin and other active materials releasing
flammable hydrogen gas.
In case of PVC sleeved products, the combustion releases chloride gas.
5.3 Special protective equipment
Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire-fighting protective clothing.
6. SPILL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE
The sealed Ni-Cd cells when sleeved are safe in case of spilling.
Non-sleeved cells may generate short-circuits, causing release of alkaline electrolyte mist
or liquid. Electrolyte reacts with zinc, aluminium, tin and other active materials releasing
flammable hydrogen gas. In such a case, use self-contained breathing apparatus and
protective clothing.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
In normal use conditions, no safety rule is specified to handle the cells.
It is recommended to store following SAFT specifications in order to ensure longer
usage: +5 to +25掳C in a 65 +- 5% relative humidity.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Under normal condition of use and handling no special protection is required for sealed
Ni-Cd cells.
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9. PHISICAL PROPERTIES
9.1 Appearance
Nickel plated steel cylindrical cell, eventually sleeved. Dimensions and colour according
specification.
9.2 Temperature range
Risk of electrolyte leakage over 100掳C
9.3 Specific energy
35 to 45 Wh/Kg
9.4 Specific instant power
Up to 1000 W/Kg during 1 second
9.5 Mechanical resistance
According mechanical tests in IEC 61951-1 standard.
10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
10.1 Conditions
Ni-Cd cells are stable in storage.
In case of storage in Humidity, some rust may appear on the product.
In case of storage in a charged state, cells progressively loose their energy, generating
eventually a progressive temperature increase according the thermal insulation efficiency
of the packaging.
In case of exposure to temperature over 100掳C, a risk of release of alkaline electrolyte
mist or liquid is created. A higher temperature (160掳C) the plastics used can melt or
decompose (Polyamide gasket, rubber valve, PVC sleeve,鈥?).
In case of mechanical deterioration of the cells, active materials contained as powder ca
be dispersed (Nickel, Cobalt, cadmium).
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10.2 Hazardous decomposition products
Electrolyte solution is corrosive to all human tissues and will react violently with many
organic chemicals .
Electrolyte solution react s with zinc, aluminium, tin and other materials releasing
flammable hydrogen gas.
11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
SUBSTANCES HAZARDS
Name N掳 EEC Symbole effects Dust exposure limits Carcinogenicity
N掳 CAS
Cadmium 048-001-00-5 Cd(OH)2 LD50. Not VME :50 碌g/m3 Occupational
Hydroxyde 21041-95-2 available VLE : 50 碌g/m3 (for
CdO)
Nickel 028-008-x* Ni(OH)2 LD50/oral/rat: VME : 1000 碌g/m3 Occupational
Hydroxyde 12054-48-7 1600 mg/Kg VLE : /
Hydroxyde de - Co(OH)2 LD50. Not VME : 100 碌g/m3 /
cobalt 21041-93-0 available VLE : /
alkaline 019-002-00-8 KOH LD50/oral/rat: KOH VME: 2mg/m3 /
Hydroxydes 1310-58-3 NaOH 365mg/Kg NaOH VME:2mg/m3
LiOH LiOH VME : 25碌g/m3
12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The storage battery is TCLP toxic. If not recycle, must be disposed of in accordance
with all state and local regulations.
13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
13.1 Incineration
Never incinerate NI-Cd batteries.
13.2 Landfill
Never dispose Ni-Cd batteries as landfill.
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13.3 Recycling
Nickel Cadmium batteries can be fully recyclable. They are submitted to the European
community directive 91-157/CE . Saft recommends proper recycling of these batteries
whenever possible.
You may refer to the following web page for further information and guidance :
www.ocde.org/ehs/nicd/nicdloc.htm (1).You can also contact Saft.
(1) This page provides links to different National Battery Associations and National Collection & Recycling
Organisations that can provide you with the latest update on collection & recycling in their respective
Countries.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Sealed Ni-Cd batteries with sleeve are not submitted to specific transport obligations.
Sealed Ni-Cd batteries without sleeve are submitted to ADR prescription under UNO code
2800.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATIONS
Nickel Cadmium batteries are submitted to the European community directive 91-
157/CE for recycling
16. OTHER INFORMATIONS
Consult SAFT specifications and precautions of use for optimized use.
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