Safety Data Sheet

Nickel Cadmium Batteries

1. Identification
1.1 Product Nickel Cadmium Battery (Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries)
Trade Name: KPL, KBL, KPM, KBM, KPH, KBH, VRPP, HVM, HVL, KRX, KRM,
KRH, KFL, KFM, KFH, KFX, KSH, FH, FRX, and FRM cells with Polypropylene
containers
IEC Designation: KL, KM, KH, KX, KGM, KGL according to IEC 60623/ IEC
62259
Relevant Identified Uses: Re-chargeable Nickel Cadmium batteries for UPS
back up, switch gear applications etc.

1.2 Supplier
Exponential Power, Inc.
N56W16665 Ridgewood Drive Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Phone: 262.708.5800 / 800.554.2243
Person responsible for preparation: Mike Hagen – Senior Vice President,
Operations
Date: February 20, 2021

1.3 Emergency Contact

INFOTRAC: 800.535.5053 / 1.352.323.3500

2. Hazards
No risk if batteries are used for its intended purpose and according to valid
directions for use.
Under normal circumstances, positive, negative electrodes and alkaline electrolyte
are inside the cell. Precautions required to be taken while handling cells, electrolyte
during leakages, filling, and emptying. See also safety data sheet for electrolyte.
Electrolyte is harmful if swallowed and causes severe burns.
Eye Effects: Contact with electrolyte extremely corrosive to eye tissues. May result
in permanent blindness.
Skin Effects: Contact with electrolyte solution inside battery may cause serious
burns to skin tissues.
Ingestion: Ingestion of electrolyte solution causes tissue damage to throat area.
Ingestion of cadmium and nickel compounds is carcinogenic.

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
 Inhalation: Mists generated during activation procedures may cause varying
degrees of irritation to the nasal mucous membranes and respiratory tract issues.

3. Composition
Positive Nickel hydroxide and Cobalt hydroxide
Electrode on Nickel Plated substrate
Negative Cadmium hydroxide and iron oxide on
Electrode Nickel plated substrate
Electrolyte Potassium Hydroxide + water
Nominal 1.2 V
Voltage

3.1 (Weight as % of basic materials for a typical medium sized cell)

Metals % Plastic % Other (%)

Steel (Fe) 10-25 Polypropylene 8-11 Potassium hydroxide 5.5-6.2
Nickel (Ni) 3-25 Lithium Hydroxide 0.5-1.0
Cadmium (Cd) 3-17 Carbon 0.1-4.0
Water 28-35

3.2 Chemical
Classification of Dangerous Substances Contained in the Product
(In charged condition)

SUBSTANCES CLASSIFICATION
EINECS CAS Identification Special Risk
Name Chemical Letter Safety Advise-2
Number Number of Danger (1)
Nickel Oxy Ni OOH 86676-91-7 C Not classified
Hydroxide
Cadmium Cd 231-152-8 7440-43-9 Xn Harmful R45/26 S2, S60, S61
R48/23/25
R50/53
R62/63/68
Potassium KOH 215-181-3 1310-58-3 C Corrosive R35, R22 S1/2,S26,
Hydroxide S36/37/39,
Xi Irritant R36/37 S45
Lithium Hydroxide LiOH 215-183-4 1310-65-2 C Not classified R35 Not classified

For the wording of the listed risk phrases, please refer to section 16

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
4. First Aid Measures
When handling electrolyte, precautions must be taken to avoid personal to get in
direct contact with it. If this accidentally happens the following must be exercised:
Inhalation: Supply fresh air OR Oxygen. Rinse mouth and nose with water. Call for
doctor for medical treatment.
Skin Contact: Instantly wash with plenty of running water thoroughly. If skin
irritation persists call for physician.
Eye Contact: Important: Rinse immediately with plenty of water during at least
15-30 minutes and consult a physician.
Ingestion: Rinse out mouth and then drink plenty of water (preferably milk). Do
not induce vomiting. Immediately call for medical help.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Suitable Class D-Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide (CO2),
Carbon dioxide blanket, Sand, foam.
Not to be used: Water *
*Water sprinklers can be used for fire safety for the cells stored without connecting
the inter cell connectors (As individual cells) in plywood boxes.
Special Exposure Hazards: Cells can be overheated by an external source or
by internal shorting and develop potassium hydroxide mist and/or hydrogen gas.
In fire situations fumes containing Cadmium, Nickel and Iron may be evolved.
Special Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full
fire-fighting protective clothing. Use personal protective equipment. Ensure
adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment & Emergency Procedures:
 Wear protective equipment
 Keep un-protected persons away
 Keep away from ignition sources
 Flush electrolyte spillage with plenty of water
 Beware risk of slipping
Environmental Precautions:
 Do not allow electrolyte to enter the ground/ soil
Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleaning:
 Collect mechanically
 Dilute with much water and neutralize

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
7. Handling and Storage
 Handle and store/ transport cells filled with electrolyte always with vents
upwards
 Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature and high humidity
 Store in a cool and dry place (Between 10 to 30°C & humidity of 45 to 85%)
 Do not connect positive terminal to negative terminal with electrically
conductive material
 Do not store/operate the Nickel Cadmium batteries in the same room where
the lead acid batteries are stored / operated
 Keep away from water
 Do not use the tools used for lead acid batteries for use in Nickel Cadmium
batteries (Ex: hydrometer and thermometer etc.)
 Do not store any other material on top of the batteries
 Batteries shall be stored in adequately ventilated areas

8. Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection

 Under normal condition of use no special personnel protection is required
 When emptying or filling cells with electrolyte, eye protection goggles and
protection gloves, aprons must be used (Alkali resistant material)
 While carrying out preventive and routine maintenance, use only insulated
tools
 Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire-fighting protective clothing.
 Ensure adequate ventilation
 Ensure availability of emergency eye wash facility in the battery room

9. Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance: Batteries supplied in prismatic polypropylene plastic containers
Temperature Range: (ambient °C)

Cell Type Continuous Occasional

Plastic container -40 +50 -50 +70

9.1 Specific Energy: 13-22 Wh/kg

Note: Wh: Normal voltage x Raged Ah
kg: Average battery weight in kg

9.2 Specific Instant Power: 53-106 W/Kg

Note: W= 0.5 x Nominal voltage x lp / weight
lp = current in Amperes delivered by a fully charged battery for half the
nominal voltage at one second
kg = Average battery weight in kg

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
 9.3
Melting point: Not applicable
Boiling point: Not applicable
Flash point: Not applicable

10. Stability and Reactivity

10.1 Chemical Stability
Thermal decomposition and conditions to be avoided:
 No decomposition if used according to specifications
 Temperatures over 85°C, short-circuit of electrode connections, deformation of
cells
 Do not connect the positive terminal to the negative terminal with electrically
conductive material
 Protect from heat and direct sunlight, protect from humidity and keep away
from water, incompatible materials: conductive materials, water, seawater,
strong oxidizers and strong acids

10.2 Material to Avoid

Do not fill cells with lead-acid battery electrolyte.

10.3 Possibility of Hazardous Decomposition Products

In the event of misuse of a battery gases like, oxygen or hydrogen accumulates
in the cell and these gases may be emitted through the gas release vent. These
gases may ignite if in the proximity of a naked flame or source of ignition.
Hazardous decomposition products: Acrid or harmful gas is emitted during fire.

11. Toxicological Information

Nickel Hydroxide LD50 / oral / rat: 1600 mg / kg*
Cadmium Hydroxide No data available
Potassium Hydroxide LD50 / oral / rat: 365 mg / kg* Lithium
Hydroxide No data available
Cadmium oxide LD50 / oral / rat: 1.3 mg / m3 (30 minutes)
Cadmium oxide LD50 / oral / mouse: 0.7 mg / m3 (30 minutes)
*(INRS data)

12. Ecological Information

There is no ecological harm when batteries are used correctly and recycled after use
has ended.
Spilled/released electrolyte: The sharp pH rise may cause harmful impact
on fish, plankton and stationary organisms.

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
 13. Disposal Considerations
As with all battery systems, Ni-Cd cells must be collected separately from other
waste and recycled.

13.1 Incineration
Never incinerate Nickel Cadmium batteries.

13.2 Landfill
Never dispose Ni-Cd cells as landfill.

13.3 Recycling
Nickel Cadmium batteries must be recycled. Contact Exponential Power,
Inc. for information.

14. Transport Information

14.1 United Nations

UN No.: 2795

14.2 International Conventions

Air: IATA
Sea: IMDG
Land: ADR (road) or RID (rail) Batteries exempt according to special Paragraph
No. 598.

RAIL & ROAD (ADR) SEA (IMDG) AIR (IATA)

PROPER
UN No. SHIPPING NAME CL Code Packing Labeling CL Risk EmS Packing Labeling CL Risk Packing Labeling
group group group

2795 BATTERIES, 8 C 11 *** None 8 *** F-A, II 8 8 *** *** 8

WET, FILLED S-B
WITH ALKALI
Electric
Storage

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
15. Regulatory Information
According to item 14.2.

15.1 Product Marking

16. Other Information

Marine Pollutant: none
Risk Phrases
(1) Nature of Special Risk
R22: Harmful if swallowed
R26: Very toxic by inhalation
R35: Causes severe burns
R36/37: Irritating to eyes and respiratory system
R48/23/25: May cause sensitization by skin contact
R50/53: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
in the aquatic environment
R62: Possible risk of impaired fertility
R63: Possible risk to the unborn child
R68: Possible risk of irreversible effects

(2) Safety Advice

S 1/2: Keep locked up and out of reach of children
S2: Keep out of reach of children
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water
and seek medical advice
S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eyes/face protection
S45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately
S60: Must be disposed of as hazardous waste
S61: Avoid release to the environment

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243
Disclaimer: This information has been complied for sources considered to be
dependable and is, to the best of our knowledge and belief, accurate and reliable
as of the date compiled. However, no representation, warranty (either expressed or
implied) or guarantee is made to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the
information contained herein. This information relates to the specific material
designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any
other materials or in any process. It is the user’s responsibility to satisfy himself as
to the suitability and completeness of this information for his own particular use.
We do not accept liability for any loss or damage that may occur, whether direct,
indirect, incidental or consequential, from the use of this information nor do we
offer warranty against patent infringement. Additional information is available by
calling the telephone number above designated for this purpose.

N56 W16665 Ridgewood Dr. www.exponentialpower.com

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 1.800.554.2243