This instruction applies to damaged or defective batteries of UN Nos. 3090, 3091, 3480 and 3481 liable to rapidly disassemble, dangerously react, produce a flame or a dangerous evolution of heat or a dangerous emission of toxic, corrosive or flammable gases or vapours under normal conditions of transport.

The following large packagings are authorized, provided that the general provisions of 4.1.1 and 4.1.3 are met: For a single battery and for a single item of equipment containing batteries:

Rigid large packagings conforming to the packing group I performance level, made of: steel (50A);

aluminium (50B);

metal other than steel or aluminium (50N);rigid plastics (50H);

plywood (50D);

rigid fibreboard (50G)

• (1) The large packaging shall be capable of meeting the following additional performance requirements in case of rapid disassembly, dangerous reaction, production of a flame or a dangerous evolution of heat or a dangerous emission of toxic, corrosive or flammable gases or vapours of the battery:
  • (a) The outside surface temperature of the completed package shall not have a temperature of more than 100 °C. A momentary spike in temperature up to 200°C is acceptable;
  • (b) No flame shall occur outside the package;
  • (c) No projectiles shall exit the package;
  • (d) The structural integrity of the package shall be maintained; and
  • (e) The large packagings shall have a gas management system (e.g. filter system, air circulation, containment for gas, gas tight packaging etc.), as appropriate.
• (2) The additional large packaging performance requirements shall be verified by a test as specified by the competent authority a.

A verification report shall be available on request. As a minimum requirement, the battery name, the battery number, the mass, type, energy content of the batteries, the large packaging identification and the test data according to the verification method as specified by the competent authority shall be listed in the verification report.

(3) When dry ice or liquid nitrogen is used as a coolant, the requirements of section 5.5.3 shall apply. The inner packaging and outer packaging shall maintain their integrity at the temperature of the refrigerant used as well as the temperatures and the pressures which could result if refrigeration were lost.

Additional requirement:

Batteries shall be protected against short circuit.