Equipment under warranty and for service may often contain defective batteries, which makes proper handling of these devices particularly important.
Risks
Stores or warehouses may receive recalled or returned equipment that may contain lithium-ion batteries. Batteries and equipment may be returned in packaging that is not labelled as containing a lithium-ion battery. Any customer may bring a battery with them on a store visit.
Used batteries may have damage that makes them a fire hazard. Used batteries should be handled with care and treated in the same way as damaged batteries until there is sufficient assurance that they are not damaged. Batteries that are damaged or suspected of being damaged should not be sent for any purpose other than recycling.
Storage and dispatch
Label batteries or equipment containing batteries according to company instructions. Do not remove the battery from the appliance.
Store returned batteries and equipment containing them in a marked fire-safe location away from other storage in accordance with your employer’s instructions.
Carefully follow the instructions given by your employer, transporter or consignee for packing the appliance or lithium-ion batteries and marking the packaging in accordance with transport regulations. If your company has a safety adviser for the transport of dangerous goods, ask him or her for help if necessary.
If the customer asks for instructions on how to handle the battery in the appliance, ask them to bring the appliance themselves or to follow the carrier’s instructions for packing and labelling.
