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                                   BULLETIN
                 FSB-058 - LITHIUM BATTERY PACK SAFETY NOTICE
                  DATE/REV:  01APR92 / 0 (previously FSB 8-1)
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ABSTRACT:  Technical manual revisions regarding lithium battery pack safety.

INSTRUMENT/PROGRAM AFFECTED:  All users of lithium battery packs (primarily
SC-NBADCP systems and some DR-NBADCP systems).

DESCRIPTION:  RDI is concerned about the safe use, storage, transportation,
and disposal of the lithium battery packs used with our instruments.

SOLUTION/ACTION:  We have revised our SC-NBADCP Technical Manual to include
the following warnings, some of which are excerpts from a U.S. Navy document
(NAVSEAINST 9310.1A, March 1982).  To keep your manual up-to-date, call and
ask for a free copy of this revision (SC-NBADCP Technical Manual, Change 1,
dated April 1, 1992).

  1. USAGE:  Lithium batteries are ALWAYS hazardous, especially under
     conditions of abuse, misuse, depletion, or partial discharge.  There
     are documented incidents involving the venting of toxic gases,
     fires, and explosions.  Fire, explosion, battery leakage, and severe
     burn hazards exist with lithium cells!  Do not short the terminals,
     recharge the cell, or deep discharge the cell.  Do not disassemble,
     cannibalize, crush, puncture, burn, or heat the cell above 93 de-
     grees C (200 degrees F).

  2. CHARGING:  The lithium cells are primary cells.  Do not recharge
     these cells.  Charging can cause the cell to leak or explode.

  3. SHORT CIRCUIT:  The cells have an internal fuse that protects
     against overload.  Shorting the cell will ruin it.  DO NOT REPLACE
     OR BYPASS THE INTERNAL FUSE.  If you find a cell with an open fuse,
     return the cell to the factory for repair.

  4. ASSEMBLY:  We STRONGLY recommend that all assembly of lithium bat-
     teries be done only by qualified battery specialists.  These spe-
     cialists must be aware of all safety precautions and of the hazards
     that lithium batteries present.  In addition, these specialists
     should never solder or weld to the CASE of a cell.  This can result
     in loss of cell capacity, leakage, or explosion.  Do not mix used
     cells in series with fresh cells.  Never combine cells from differ-
     ent manufacturers.  Weaker cells can deep discharge under load,
     creating hazardous conditions.

  5. STORAGE:  Store lithium cells in their original shipping containers
     in a cool, condensation-free, fireproof container that has adequate
     ventilation and sprinkler protection.  Isolate the storage area from
     other hazardous and combustible materials, and use it only for the
     storage of unused lithium batteries.  The effects of mass storage
     are unknown, so keep the number of batteries stored in one location
     to a reasonable minimum.  Avoid storage temperatures above 54 de-
     grees C (130 degrees F).  High temperatures also reduce cell life
     and accelerate the passivation process.

     Treat used lithium batteries with as much care as new batteries. 
     Lithium batteries are hazardous even when partially or completely
     depleted.  You should dispose of used lithium batteries promptly
     (within 30 days).  Do not let used batteries accumulate (especially
     more than 30 pounds).  Do not dispose of or transport lithium batter-
     ies with normal refuse.

  6. TRANSPORTATION:  The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates
     domestic shipment of lithium cells through DOT-E-7052.  This direc-
     tive specifies the proper warnings, packaging, and transportation
     methods.  Lithium cells usually contain more than 0.5g of lithium. 
     This prevents transportation by passenger aircraft.  International-
     ly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the In-
     ternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulate air trans-
     portation in a similar manner.

  7. DISPOSAL:  The lithium cells contain no toxic heavy metals such as
     lead or cadmium.  The lithium chloride (LiCl) discharged during use
     is harmless.  However, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
     regulations require the disposal of lithium cells in secure land-
     fills.  For more information contact the regional office of the EPA. 
     Internationally, contact local environmental or hazardous material
     offices for the proper disposal method.

  8. Load resistors can become hot.  The danger of fire and personal
     injury exists.  Use a load resistor with the suggested or higher
     rating.  Never leave a load on the lithium battery for a period that
     would cause the battery to become deep discharged.  Deep-discharging
     a battery creates a hazardous condition.

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