Safety Information
Sibl. 2.001.002
Rechargeable Ni-MH Button
1. Identification of the product and company
Product details
Trade name: Rechargeable Ni-MH button
Voltage: 1.2 V (or multiples of 1.2 V in case of assembled batteries)
Electrochemical System: Nickel metal hydride
Anode (Negative): Metal hydride
Cathode (Positive): Nickel hydroxide
Supplier details
Address: VARTA Microbattery GmbH
Daimlerstr. 1
D-73479 Ellwangen/Jagst
Emergency telephone number: +49-7961-921-211
Legal Remark (U.S.A.)
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are a sub-requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR Subpart 1910.1200. This Hazard Communication Standard does not apply to
various subcategories including anything defined by OSHA as an "article". OSHA has defined "article" as a manufactured
item other than a fluid or particle; (i) which is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture; (ii) which has end
use function(s) dependent in whole or in part upon its shape or design during end use; and (iii) which under normal
conditions of use does not release more than very small quantities, e.g. minute or trace amounts of a hazardous chemical,
and does not pose a physical hazard or health risk to employees.
Because all of our batteries are defined as "articles", they are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication
Standard, hence this 鈥淪afety Information鈥? is provided as a service to our customers.
2. Composition/information on ingredients
Ingredients
Contents CAS-No. Hazards Material
10 - 35 % Flammable Mischmetal nickel alloy
10 - 40 % 12054-48-7 Harmful, Environmental Hazardous Nickel hydroxide
3 - 15 % 1310-58-3 Corrosive Potassium hydroxide
0-3% Harmful Cobalt and compounds
15 - 57 % Steel/Nickel
3 - 10 % Polymers
During charge process, the mischmetal nickel alloy is loaded with hydrogen, this compound is flammable (F).
Important information: The battery is sealed hermetically. The ingredients have no hazard potential, except the battery is
violated or dismantled.
3. Hazard identification
A sealed Nickel-Metal hydride cell is not hazardous in normal use.
In case of misuse (abusive over charge, reverse charge, external short circuit鈥?) and in case of fault, some electrolyte can
leak from the cell through the safety device. In these cases refer to the risk of potassium hydroxide solution (corrosive,
pH > 14). The electrode materials are only hazardous, if the materials are released by mechanical damaging of the cell or if
exposed to fire.
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Sibl. 2.001.002
4. First aid measures
Measures at accidental release
After inhalation: N/A
After skin contact: Flush affected areas with plenty of water. Remove contaminated cloth
immediately. Seek for medical assistance.
After eye contact: Flush the eye gently with plenty of water (at least 10 minutes). Seek for
medical assistance.
After ingestion: Drink plenty of water. Avoid vomiting. Seek for medical assistance.
No trials for neutralization.
5. Fire fighting measures
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water, foam or dry powder, as appropriate.
Not applicable extinguishing media: N/A
Special protection equipment during Contamination cloth including breathing apparatus.
fire-fighting:
Special hazard: Under fire conditions, the electrode materials can form carcinogenic nickel
and cobalt oxides.
6. Accidental release measures
Person related measures: Wear personal protective equipment adapted to the situation (protection
gloves, cloth).
Environment protection measures: In the event of battery rupture, prevent skin contact and collect all released
material in a plastic lined metal container.
Dispose off according to the local law and rules.
Avoid leached substances to get into the earth, canalization or waters.
Treatment for cleaning: If battery casing is dismantled, small amounts of electrolyte may leak. Pack
the battery including ingredients as described above. Then clean with water.
7. Handling and storage
Guideline for safe handling: Avoid short circuiting the battery.
Do not use damaged batteries.
More detailed guidelines for the use of these batteries are described in 鈥濻ales
Program and Technical Handbook鈥?.
Storage: Storage preferably at room temperature 20掳 Avoid large temperature
C.
changes. Do not store close to the heating. Avoid direct sunlight.
Storage of large amounts: If possible, store the batteries in original packaging (short circuit protection
and transport release);
A fire alarm is recommended;
For automatic fire extinction consider chapter 5 鈥淔ire fighting measures鈥?.
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
Under normal conditions (during charge and discharge) release of ingredients does not occur.
In the event of release of ingredients, the following TLVs have to be considered (U.S.A.):
Material TLV*
0.1 mg/m3 (soluble compounds, TWA)
Nickel and compounds:
2 mg/m3 (STEL)
Potassium hydroxide:
0.02 mg/m3 (TWA)
Cobalt and compounds:
*Source: ACGIH Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents, 2002.
9. Physical and chemical properties
Not applicable if closed.
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10. Stability and reactivity
Dangerous reactions: When heated above 150掳 the risk of rupture occurs.
C
Due to special safety construction, rupture implies controlled release of
pressure without ignition.
11. Toxicological information
Under normal conditions (during charge and discharge) release of ingredients does not occur. If accidental release occurs
see information in section 2, 3, and 4.
Swallowing of a battery can be harmful. Call the local Poison Control Centre for advice and follow-up.
12. Ecological information
Nickel metal hydride batteries do not contain hazardous materials according to European directives 91/157/EEC and
93/86/EEC.
13. Disposal considerations
In the European Union, manufacturing and handling of batteries is regulated on the basis of the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of
18March 1991 on batteries and accumulators containing certain dangerous substances (91/157/EEC). According to this
directive, nickel metal hydride batteries are no hazardous material containing batteries and must not be marked. Importers
and users outside EU should consider the local law and rules.
14. Transport information
VARTA nickel metal hydride batteries are considered to be 鈥渄ry cell鈥? batteries and are unregulated for purposes of
transportation by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), International Civic Aviation Administration (ICAO),
International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Accord Europe茅n
Relatif au Transport International des Marchandises Dangereuses par Route (ADR).
Special Provision 304 (ADR): 鈥淏atteries, dry, containing corrosive electrolyte which will not flow out of the battery if the
battery case is cracked are not subject to the requirements of RID/ADR provided the batteries are securely packed and
protected against short-circuits. Examples of such batteries are: alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride and
nickel-cadmium batteries.鈥?
15. Regulatory information
Marking consideration: Nickel metal hydride batteries, which contain electronic modules and which are
subjected to the EMC directive 93/97/EEC, must be CE approved and must
wear the CE marking.
International safety standards: IEC 61951 (Part 2).
16. Other information
Issued by: Technical Documentation
Contact person: Dr. M. Krebs
Tel. +49-7961-921-432
Fax +49-7961-921-73432
E-Mail: martin.krebs@varta-microbattery.com
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