Battery Care

For your own safety and to maximise the life & performance of your batteries and battery packs, there are some rules that you need to follow. Some of these vary across different battery chemistries, so it’s important to read them thoroughly to ensure your understanding.

Battery Handling

• It is recommended that every battery or battery pack is checked for mechanical damage before use
• Avoid metal surfaces, metal tools, bracelets, jewellery, wire leads, etc. that may accidentally short-circuit the battery or battery pack terminals
• Do not drop, damage or mechanically deform the battery or battery pack as this may short-circuit the battery or battery pack internally and cause fire
• Damaged batteries may leak a corrosive fluid. If damaged, handle with protective goggles and gloves. Avoid contact with eyes and skin
• Do not simultaneously handle both terminals of the battery or battery pack. Under normal conditions, a battery voltage less than 40V is not considered dangerous. A voltage above 40V can be fatal

Battery Storage

• Store all batteries & battery packs in a cool, dry environment (0-25°C preferred) away from flammable vapours and gases
• Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride and Sealed Lead Acid batteries and battery packs will self-discharge, but must not be allowed to become fully discharged. It is recommended that these batteries are recharged at least every six months
• Nickel Cadmium batteries & battery packs will slowly self-discharge with time, but may be stored either charged or discharged without damage

Charging / Testing

• Battery charging and discharge testing must only be carried out by trained technicians following manufacturer’s instructions
• Batteries will release hazardous materials and/or explode if overcharged, over-discharged or damaged
• Pre-use checks should be carried out when batteries are used for critical devices
• Ensure you use the correct charger for your battery or battery pack, incorrectly rated chargers may result in poor battery performance or damage to your battery or battery packs.

Installation

• Each battery is designed for a specific use. If in doubt, check the specification number using either the current Euro Energy catalogue or by contacting our Customer Service team
• Checks should be made to ensure that the correct battery is used in the relevant medical device
• Batteries for use in critical devices should be checked and installed by a trained technician
• Batteries should only be changed by personnel trained to operate the medical device being powered

Shelf Life

• Rechargeable batteries & battery packs supplied by Euro Energy are recommended to be installed within two years of the date of manufacture, subject to Sealed Lead Acid, Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion batteries and battery packs being stored in a cool environment and fully recharged once every six months
• It is recommended that a minimum of at least two batteries are kept in stock to ensure that a fully charged battery is ready for application at all times
• Batteries have a finite life and therefore a log should be kept detailing the typical number of charge cycles.

Battery & Battery pack disposal

• Batteries must not be disposed of with normal waste going to shallow land fill as this contravenes the Waste Batteries & Accumulators Regulations 2009. (2009 No.890)
• Waste batteries for disposal must only be collected/transported by a carrier holding a Waste Management licence. Transportation by any other carrier contravenes the Special Waste Regulations 1996 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care Regulations) 1991. Offenders are liable to either or both a fine of a maximum of £20,000 and imprisonment of a maximum of five years
• For battery waste enquires you may wish to contact G&P Batteries for advice on (0121) 568 3200