The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for batteries is a technical document that details the battery’s composition, hazards, safe handling, emergency procedures, and other information to guide safety management in production, transportation, storage, and usage. Below are the core contents of a general battery MSDS (using the common “lithium-ion battery” as an example; different types of batteries should refer to specific product instructions).

Basic Information

1. Product Name: Lithium-ion Battery (or specific model, such as 18650 ternary lithium battery)

2. Manufacturer/Supplier: Company name, address, contact information

3. Date: MSDS update date (must comply with the latest regulations, such as China GB/T 16483-2008, UN GHS)

Overview of Hazards

1. Physical Hazards

• Lithium batteries: Risk of thermal runaway (high temperatures, short circuits may cause fire or explosion).
• Lead-acid batteries: Electrolyte (sulfuric acid) is highly corrosive and can cause burns upon contact with skin/eyes.
• Alkaline batteries: Leaked liquid (potassium hydroxide) irritates skin and mucous membranes.

2. Health Hazards

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium): Long-term exposure can lead to poisoning (e.g., lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries).
• Dust/Fumes: Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation (e.g., cathode material lithium cobalt oxide).

3. GHS Classification

• Lithium battery: Flammable solid (UN 3090, Class 9 hazardous materials), releases flammable gas when in contact with water.
• Lead-acid battery: Corrosive substance (Class 8).

Ingredients/Composition

1. Main components (taking ternary lithium batteries as an example):

• Cathode: Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (LiNiCoMnO₂)
• Anode: Graphite (C)
• Electrolyte: Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) + Carbonate solvent
• Others: Copper foil, aluminum foil, separator, etc.

2. Hazardous components: Clearly list toxic or corrosive substances (e.g., LiPF₆ generates HF acid upon contact with water).

Safe Operation and Emergency Measures

1. Operational Handling

• Avoid short circuits, overcharging, and high temperatures (lithium batteries recommended <60℃).
• Lead-acid batteries require ventilation to prevent hydrogen gas accumulation (explosive gases generated during charging).
• Wear protective gear: gloves (nitrile/chloroprene), goggles, apron.

2. Leak/Fire Handling

• Lithium Batteries
  Small fire: Use a dry powder extinguisher (Class ABC), do not use water (may exacerbate the reaction).
  Large fire: Evacuate and notify the fire department, cool surrounding batteries with large amounts of water (to prevent chain reactions).
• Lead-Acid Batteries
  Leakage liquid: Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate, collect using absorbents (such as sand), avoid direct contact.
  Skin contact: Rinse immediately with clean water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

3. Disposal Handling

• Lithium Batteries: Dispose of according to the “Technical Policy on Pollution Prevention and Control of Waste Batteries,” hand over to qualified units for recycling (do not mix with household waste).
• Lead-Acid Batteries: Mandatory recycling in China; contact suppliers or hazardous waste disposal agencies.

Transportation and Storage

1. Transportation

• Lithium batteries: UN3090 (lithium metal batteries) / UN3480 (lithium-ion batteries), must comply with IATA-DGR air transport regulations.
• Lead-acid batteries: Anti-tilt, labeled “corrosive substances.”

2. Storage

• Lithium batteries: Cool and dry, away from heat sources, stacking height ≤ 1.5 meters (to prevent crushing).
• Lead-acid batteries: Well-ventilated, avoid direct sunlight, electrolyte must be sealed.

Regulatory Information

1. China: “Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals” and “Technical Policy for Pollution Prevention and Control of Waste Batteries.”

2. International: United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” (TDG) and EU CLP Regulation.

How to obtain the MSDS for a specific battery ?

1. Contact the supplier: Request the MSDS for the corresponding model (the manufacturer is required by law to provide it).

2. Manufacturer’s official website: Download the publicly available MSDS.

3. Professional databases: IChemE, SDS Plus (subscription required).

Warm reminder

1. The MSDS for different batteries (such as nickel-hydride, alkaline, lithium iron phosphate batteries) varies significantly and must correspond strictly to the product type.

2. Companies in Shenzhen must comply with both national standards and local environmental protection requirements, such as the “Shenzhen Hazardous Waste Management Measures.”

3. If specific batteries (such as mobile phone batteries or automotive power batteries) require an MSDS, a case-by-case analysis is necessary.