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BATTERIES & CHARGERS
SAFETY CONCERNS RISE AS EV MANUFACTURING ACCELERATES
THE RISK WORKERS IN GIGAFACTORIES FACE
Lithium-ion batteries are formed of four main components:
The capacity of the battery is determined by the cathode - it's the source of the lithium ions.
The ions are stored in the anode, which enables the electric current to flow through an external circuit when the battery is charged.
The separator is the physical barrier that keeps the cathode and anode apart.
The electrolyte acts as a conduit of lithium ions between the cathode and anode.
Before a battery can be installed, the factory must charge and test the unit to identify any faults. It can become faulty when mishandled, overcharged, short-circuited or heated up - leading to issues such as the battery walls expanding or splintering, which can allow some of the internal compounds to leak out. Electrolytes are made up of organic compounds, such as salts and solvents. When contained inside
With the rise of gigafactories for the production of lithium- ion batteries, workers face an increased risk of exposure to hydroflouric acid. Hughes Safety Showers explores the safety essentials for lithium-ion battery production.
a battery unit, the electrolyte does no't pose an immediate risk. If they spill from a battery, because of an accident or if they're handled improperly, they can react with air and water to produce hydrofluoric acid - which poses a significant risk.
THE EFFECTS OF A HYDROFLUORIC ACID BURN Abbas Kanani MRPharmS, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, explained the dangers hydrofluoric acid poses when it comes into contact with the body.
“Hydrofluoric acid is one of the strongest acids that causes corrosive burns and can also involve underlying bone. It is highly toxic and damaging. Contact with high-concentration products can be fatal.”
When a person first comes into contact with hydrofluoric acid, they’ll experience severe pain at the site of the burn. Kanani elaborated stating: “There may be swelling, slow-healing burns, blisters or a rash present and pain can
occur even if there are no visible burns.” The lasting damage can be significant too,
with Kanani adding: “Skin damage can take a long time to heal and can result in severe scarring. Eye exposure can cause permanent blindness or total destruction of the eye.”
THREE SAFETY MUSTS TO MAKE SURE WORKERS IN GIGAFACTORIES STAY SAFE
Battery gigafactories are extremely complex facilities, with a variety of different conditions. From manufacturing areas featuring extremely high temperatures and little to no humidity for the drying process, to clean rooms with high filtration levels to reduce the presence of dust particles.
PPE is absolutely imperative, including head, face, respiratory and hand protection.
Emergency procedures must be in place if there is an accidental leak.
Safety showers and eye/face washes must be available. In the event of corrosive spills, to thoroughly decontaminate, EN15154 regulations state those affected should flush the skin or eyes for at least fifteen minutes. The water delivered should be tepid (between 15°C and 37°C), and comply with a designated flow rate (depending on its class).
Hughes Safety Showers
www.hughes-safety.com
26 Spring 2024 UKManufacturing
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