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U.S. Department of Labor


Mine Safety and Health Administration
201 12th Street South, Suite 401
Arlington, VA 22202-5450
ISSUE DATE: March 23, 2011
LAST VALIDATED: 03/31/2021

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-12

FROM:             KEVIN G. STRICKLIN  
                       Administrator for
                       Coal Mine Safety and Health

                      NEAL H. MERRIFIELD NEAL H. MERRIFIELD
                      Administrator for
                      Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

                      LINDA F. ZEILER 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.

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

What is MSHA's authority for this PIB?
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. ยง 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."

Who is the MSHA contact person for this PIB?
Mine Safety and Health Enforcement, Division of Safety
Rodney Adamson, (202) 693-9549
E-mail: adamson.rodney@dol.gov

Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center
Patrick Retzer, (304) 547-2024
E-mail: Retzer.Patrick@dol.gov

Who will receive this PIB?
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
Underground Mine Operators
Mine Equipment Manufacturers
Miners' Representatives
Special Interest Groups