1. Safety precautions

In this section:

Observe these instructions and keep them located near the battery for future reference.
The Material Safety Datasheet can be downloaded from the “Material Safety Datasheet menu” located on the Lithium Smart product page.
Work on a lithium battery should be carried out by qualified personnel only.

While working on a lithium battery, wear protective eyeglasses and clothing.
Any leaked battery material, such as electrolyte or powder on the skin or the eyes, must immediately be flushed with plenty of clean water. Then seek medical assistance. Spillages on clothing should be rinsed out with water.
Explosion and fire hazard. In case of fire, you must use a type D foam or CO2 fire extinguisher.
The terminals of a lithium battery are always live, therefore, do not place metallic items or tools on top of the battery.
Use insulated tools.
Do not wear any metallic items such as watches, bracelets, etc.
Avoid short circuits, very deep discharges and excessive charge or discharge currents.

Do not open or dismantle the battery. Electrolyte is very corrosive. In normal working conditions, contact with the electrolyte is impossible. If the battery casing is damaged, do not touch the exposed electrolyte or powder because it is corrosive.
Lithium batteries are heavy. To avoid muscle strain or back injury, use lifting aids and proper lifting techniques when installing or removing batteries.
If involved in a vehicle accident, they can become a projectile! Ensure adequate and secure mounting and always use suitable handling equipment for transportation.
Handle with care because a lithium battery is sensitive to mechanical shock.
Do not use a damaged battery.
Water will damage your battery. Discontinue use and seek further advice.

Use only with a Victron Energy-approved BMS.
Overcharge or discharge will seriously damage a lithium battery and may render the battery unsafe for continued use. Therefore, the use of an external safety relay is mandatory.
If charged after the Lithium Battery was discharged below the “Discharge cut-off voltage”, or when the Lithium Battery is damaged or overcharged, the Lithium Battery can release a harmful mixture of gasses such as phosphate.
The temperature range over which the battery can be charged is 5°C to 50°C. Charging the battery at temperatures outside this range may cause severe damage to the battery or reduce battery life expectancy.
The temperature range over which the battery can be discharged is -20°C to 50°C. Discharging the battery at temperatures outside this range may cause severe damage to the battery or reduce battery life expectancy.

The battery must be transported in its original or equivalent package and in an upright position. If the battery is in its cardboard packaging, use soft slings to avoid damage. Ensure that all packaging materials are non-conductive.
Cartons or crates used to transport lithium batteries must have an approved warning label affixed.
Air transportation of lithium batteries is prohibited.
Do not stand below a battery when it is hoisted.
Never lift the battery at the terminals or the BMS communication cables; only lift the battery at the handles.

Batteries are tested according to UN Handbook of Tests and Criteria, part III, sub-section 38.3 (ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.5).
For transport, the batteries belong to the category UN3480, Class 9, Packaging Group II and have to be transported according to this regulation. This means that for land and sea transport (ADR, RID & IMDG) they have to be packed according to packaging instruction P903 and for air transport (IATA) according to packaging instruction P965. The original packaging complies with these instructions.

Do not throw a battery into fire.
Batteries must not be mixed with domestic or industrial waste.
Batteries marked with the recycling symbol must be processed via a recognized recycling agency. By agreement, they may be returned to the manufacturer.

Lithium Smart Battery Manual