ISSUE DATE: 3/23/2011 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-12 

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

 Administrator for

 Coal Mine Safety and Health 

 NEAL H. MERRIFIELD 

 Administrator for Metal and Nonmetal 

 Mine Safety and Health 

 LINDA F. ZEILER 

 Acting Director of Technical Support 

SUBJECT: Reissue of P07-26 - Charging of Lithium Ion or Lithium

 Polymer Batteries 

Who needs this information?

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is intended for mine operators, miners' 

representatives, and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) personnel. 

What is the purpose of this program information bulletin (PIB)?

The purpose of this PIB is to increase awareness about the special precautions 

that should be observed when charging lithium batteries or equipment 

containing lithium batteries. 

What is the background for this PIB?

On September 20, 2007, a fire started in an area where cap lamp batteries were 

being recharged. The batteries used lithium ion technology which requires 

special consideration and handling techniques due to the extremely high energy 

density. Although the fire was contained to a small area and minimal damage 

occurred, the result of the fire could have been much more severe. 
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What is the main point of this PIB?

Use special caution when working with lithium ion or lithium polymer cells, as 

they are very sensitive to charging conditions and may explode or burn if 

mishandled. 

Information

• Always charge lithium batteries in/on a fire-proof surface. 

• Use caution to prevent puncturing or rupture of the cells. 

• Do not charge batteries near flammable materials such as boxes, paper, 

and furniture. 

• Do not charge batteries underground, unless the batteries are charged in 

accordance with the applicable regulations pertaining to battery-charging 

stations. 

• If the lithium battery is damaged or appears to swell, discontinue its use 

immediately. 

• If you notice a performance decrease of greater than 20% in your 

equipment that uses lithium batteries, the battery is at the end of its life 

cycle. Do not continue to use, and ensure the battery is disposed of 

properly. 

• Always use replacement batteries recommended by the original 

equipment manufacturer. Other batteries may be less expensive, but their 

use, especially when charging, may result in a fire.

• Do not expose the battery to water or allow the battery to get wet. This 

does not preclude incidental exposure of sealed battery packs containing 

lithium cells. 

• Do not disassemble or modify the battery. The battery contains safety and 

protective devices, which, if damaged, may cause the battery to generate 

heat, explode or ignite. 

• Do not place the battery in direct sunlight or use or store the battery near a 

source of heat. 

• Assure that all of these precautions are observed before leaving the 

batteries charging unattended.

What is MSHA's authority for this PIB?

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et 

seq. 

Is this PIB on the Internet?

This PIB may be viewed on the World Wide Web by accessing the MSHA home 

page (www.msha.gov) then choosing "Compliance Info" and "Program 

Information Bulletins." 
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Who is the MSHA contact person for this PIB?

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Division of Safety

John Arrington, (202) 693-9500

E-mail: arrington.john@dol.gov

Metal and Nonmetal Safety and Health

Marvin Lichtenfels, (202) 693-9600

E-mail: lichtenfels.marvin@dol.gov

Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center

Richard O'Hanlon, (304) 547-2316

E-mail: Ohanlon.Richard@dol.gov

Who will receive this PIB?

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders

Underground Mine Operators

Mine Equipment Manufacturers

Miners' Representatives

Special Interest Groups