Newly published Annex I of UL 60065 to address the potential issue of battery cell ingestion by children
There have been on-going incidents involving the ingestion of lithium chemistry coin/button batteries by small children. In some cases, the battery becomes lodged in the esophagus where, in contact with tissue fluids, hydroxide is produced due to the generation of an external electrolytic current. The hydroxide that forms may cause severe alkaline burns and perforations of the esophagus. These serious internal injuries can occur in as little as two hours and have fatal complications.
These batteries may be found in household audio/video products such as remote controls, digital cameras/camcorders, and active shutter glasses for 3D TV viewing. In addition, these batteries may be found in audio greeting cards and hearing aids.
To address this issue, the Product Safety Working Group (PSWG) of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) developed requirements that have been recently published as a new Annex I of UL 60065, UL's product safety standard for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus. These newly published requirements were submitted by the CEA PSWG using the ANSI Standard Technical Panel (STP) process and the on-line Collaborative Standards Development System (CSDS). In this instance, the original proposal was further developed through two separate preliminary reviews by the 60065 STP. The finalized proposal was then submitted to the UL 60065 STP for vote and consensus was achieved as a result of a positive ballot.
New Annex I contains product and instruction manual marking requirements:
• The product is required to be marked with a graphical symbol that alerts the user to refer to the instruction manual.
• The instruction manual itself is required to contain
- a warning marking with text to alert the user of the potential chemical burn hazard associated with coin/button battery ingestion,
- an instruction as to the presence of a coin/button cell battery,
- possible effects of battery ingestion,
- an instruction to keep batteries away from children,
- an advice to seek immediate medical attention if it suspected that batteries have either been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body.
Testing includes conditioning (Mold stress relief and door/cover cycling) and mechanical abuse tests (Drop, Impact and Crush) with an assessment of battery compartment door/cover functionality and battery accessibility after testing.
Annex I was published on June 13, 2012. Due to the need for re-testing of previously certified products containing lithium chemistry coin/button cell batteries and the potential need for redesign and retooling of production line equipment, a January 2, 2014 effective date has been established for these new requirements.
As part of the Industry File Review process, UL is preparing a letter that will be sent to all potentially affected manufacturers with a request for assistance. Specifically, we will request that each manufacturer provide the identification of specific product(s) previously Certified using UL 60065 that incorporate lithium chemistry coin/button cell batteries having a diameter of 32 mm or less.
For more information, contact Craig Sato, principal engineer for audio and video equipment.
Samples of the graphical symbols referenced in the new requirements (on the product itself):
Together with the following text:
In the Installation/Use Instructions:
See Annex I, sub clause I.2.7.15 of UL 60065.
