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Page | 007 3.7. Hazards Associated with Vented Electrolyte
Lithium-ion cells are sealed units, and thus under normal usage conditions, venting of electrolyte should not occur. If subjected to abnormal heating or other abuse conditions, electrolyte and electrolyte decomposition products can vaporize and be vented from cells. Accumulation of liquid electrolyte is unlikely in the case of abnormal heating. Vented gases are a common early indicator of a thermal runaway reaction – an abnormal and hazardous condition.
If gases or smoke are observed escaping from a Tesla Energy Product, evacuate the area and notify a first responder team and/or the local fire department. Gases or smoke exiting a lithium-ion battery pack are likely flammable and could ignite unexpectedly as the condition that led to cell venting may also cause ignition of the vent gases. A venting Tesla Energy Product should only be approached with extreme caution by trained first responders equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as discussed in Section 3.
Cell vent gas composition will depend upon a number of factors, including cell composition, cell state of charge, and the cause of cell venting. Vent gases may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as alkyl-carbonates, methane, ethylene, and ethane; hydrogen gas; carbon dioxide; carbon monoxide; soot; and particulates containing oxides of nickel, aluminum, lithium, copper, and cobalt. Additionally, phosphorus pentafluoride, POF3, and HF vapors may form.
WARNING: AVOID CONTACT WITH VENTED GASES.
Vented gases may irritate the eyes, skin, and throat. Cell vent gases are typically hot; upon exit from a cell, vent gas temperatures can exceed 600°C (1,110°F). Contact with hot gases can cause thermal burns. Vented electrolyte is flammable and may ignite on contact with a competent ignition source such as an open flame, spark, or a sufficiently heated surface. Vented electrolyte may also ignite on contact with cells undergoing a thermal runaway reaction.
TESLA BATTERY EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDE
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