A
WARNING has been issued about the potential danger if communications
batteries are handled or stored incorrectly.
The
Battlespace Communications Operations Group advises that the batteries
are the subject of a spate of Reports of Defective or Unsatisfactory
Material (RODUMs) every year coinciding with the posting cycle
and staff changeover.
“The
main battery chemistries used for Defence applications are extremely
toxic ... Until a workable alternative is available, users will
have to respect the limitations and volatility of the equipment,”
a spokeswoman said.
“Leaking
alkaline will kill healthy skin and burn muscle tissue and electrolyte
will cause serious burns. Lithium sulphur dioxide batteries are
statistically more likely to vent and these make up the majority
of RODUMs received.”
She
said communications batteries should be stored in a well ventilated,
cool storeroom away from other chemicals.
The
spokeswoman said RODUM reporting was vital to ensure all incidents
were investigated.
