1. Safety precautions
Warning
Observe these instructions and keep them located near the battery for future reference.
The Material Safety Datasheet can be downloaded from the “Material Safety Datasheet menu” located on the Lithium Smart product page.
Work on a lithium battery should be carried out by qualified personnel only.
1.1. General warnings
Danger
While working on a li-ion battery wear protective eyeglasses and clothing.
Any uncovered battery material such as electrolyte or powder on the skin or in the eyes must immediately be flushed with plenty of clean water. Then seek medical assistance. Spillages on clothing should be rinsed out with water.
Explosion and fire hazard. The terminals of a li-ion battery are always live, therefore do not place metallic items or tools on top of a li-ion battery. Avoid short circuits, too deep discharges and too high charge currents. Use insulated tools. Do not wear any metallic items such as watches, bracelets, et cetera. In case of fire, you must use a type D foam or CO2 fire extinguisher.
Warning
Do not open or dismantle the battery. Electrolyte is very corrosive. In normal working conditions contact with the electrolyte is impossible. If the battery casing is damaged do not touch the exposed electrolyte or powder because it is corrosive.
Li-ion batteries are heavy. If involved in an accident they can become a projectile! Ensure adequate and secure mounting and always use suitable handling equipment for transportation.
Handle with care because a li-ion battery is sensitive to mechanical shock.
Do not use a damaged battery.
Do not wet the battery.
1.2. Charge and discharge warnings
Caution
Too deep discharges will seriously damage a li-ion battery and can even be dangerous. Therefore, use of an external safety relay is obligatory.
Use only with a Victron Energy approved BMS.
If charged after the Lithium Battery was discharged below the “Discharge cut-off voltage”, or when the Lithium Battery is damaged or overcharged, the Lithium Battery can release a harmful mixture of gasses such as phosphate.
The temperature range over which the battery can be charged is 5°C to 50°C. Charging the battery at temperatures outside this range may cause severe damage to the battery or reduce battery life expectancy.
The temperature range over which the battery can be discharged is -20°C to 50°C. Discharging the battery at temperatures outside this range may cause severe damage to the battery or reduce battery life expectancy.
1.3. Transportation warnings
Warning
The battery must be transported in its original or equivalent package and in an upright position. If the battery is in its package, use soft slings to avoid damage.
Do not stand below a battery when it is hoisted.
Never lift the battery at the terminals or the BMS communication cables, only lift the battery at the handles.
Batteries are tested according to UN Handbook of Tests and Criteria, part III, sub section 38.3 (ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.5).
For transport the batteries belong to the category UN3480, Class 9, Packaging Group II and have to be transported according to this regulation. This means that for land and sea transport (ADR, RID & IMDG) they have to be packed according to packaging instruction P903 and for air transport (IATA) according to packaging instruction P965. The original packaging complies with these instructions.
1.4. Disposal of lithium batteries
Warning
Do not throw a battery into fire.
Batteries must not be mixed with domestic or industrial waste.
Batteries marked with the recycling symbol 
must be processed via a recognized recycling agency. By agreement, they may be returned to the manufacturer.