This instruction applies to single damaged or defective batteries and to single items of equipment containing damaged or defective cells and batteries of UN Nos. 3090, 3091, 3480, 3481, 3551 and 3552.

The large packagings are authorized for a single damaged or defective battery and for a single item of equipment containing damaged or defective cells and batteries, provided the general provisions of 4.1.1 and 4.1.3 are met.

The large packagings shall conform to the packing group II performance level.

Large packagings shall also meet the following requirements:

(a) The damaged or defective battery or equipment containing such cells or batteries shall be individually packed in an inner packaging and placed inside an outer packaging. The inner packaging or outer packaging shall be leak-proof to prevent the potential release of electrolyte.

(b) The inner packaging shall be surrounded by sufficient non-combustible and electrically non-conductive thermal insulation material to protect against a dangerous evolution of heat.

(c) Sealed packagings shall be fitted with a venting device when appropriate.

(d) Appropriate measures shall be taken to minimize the effects of vibrations and shocks, prevent movement of the battery or the equipment within the package that may lead to further damage and a dangerous condition during carriage. Cushioning material that is non-combustible and electrically non-conductive may also be used to meet this requirement.

(e) The non-combustibility of the thermal insulation material and the cushioning material shall be assessed according to a standard recognized in the country where the packaging is designed or manufactured.

For leaking cells and batteries, sufficient inert absorbent material shall be added to the inner or outer packaging to absorb any release of electrolyte.


Additional requirement
Cells and batteries shall be protected against short circuit.