2 Safety and waste disposal
7
•In principle, contact with escaping battery components may present a risk to
health and to the environment. Adequate body and breathing protection is
therefore required when in contact with batteries that have peculiar aspects
(escaping contents, deformations, discolourations, dents or the like).
•Do not reverse the polarities of batteries, always adhere to the + and - signs
on battery and instrument. If batteries are inserted the wrong way round,
they can quickly overheat. This may lead to the escape of gases, the
leakage of battery acid and/or to an explosion.
•When changing batteries, replace them all at the same time and make sure
you use new batteries of the same make and type. If different sorts of
battery, or new and old batteries, are used together, some batteries may be
overloaded due to different voltages or capacities. This may lead to the
escape of gases and/or to an explosion.
•Do not leave batteries lying around loose once they have been unpacked. If
batteries that have been unpacked are left lying around loose, they can
easily short one another, particularly button cells. In some cases, this is very
dangerous because the batteries may heat up. This may lead to an
explosion.
•Always store batteries in a cool, dry place.
•Batteries must be disposed of in accordance with the local and country-
specific regulations. In order to prevent short circuits and the associated
heating, lithium batteries must never be stored unprotected in bulk.
Appropriate measures against short circuits are for instance inserting the
batteries into the original packaging or a plastic bag, masking the poles or
embedding them in dry sand.
•Lithium batteries must be transported and shipped in accordance with the
local and country-specific regulations.
•If there is any contact with the skin or eyes, the areas must be rinsed with
water for at least 15 minutes. If there is any contact with the eyes, a doctor
must be contacted in addition to the rinsing.
•If burns are caused, these must be treated appropriately. You are also
strongly advised to contact a doctor.
•Airways: Leave the room immediately when smoke development or gas
release is acute. Consult a doctor when amounts are larger and airways are
irritated.
•Swallowing: Rinse out mouth and surrounding area with water. Get medical
assistance immediately.
