1. Identifying a Damaged Sensor
A soil sensor may be considered damaged if it shows any of the following signs:
Physical damage:
Cracked or deformed casing.
Leaking fluid:
Signs of liquid leakage near the battery compartment.
Swelling or bulging:
An indication of internal battery pressure.
Overheating:
The sensor becomes excessively hot during normal operation.
2. Immediate Safety Measures
If you suspect the sensor is damaged but not leaking or swollen, follow these steps immediately:
Affix the magnet to the sensor securely.
Isolate the sensor: Place it in a non-flammable container (e.g., a metal or ceramic container).
Avoid contact with leaking fluid: If you notice fluid leakage, avoid touching it directly. Use gloves and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Move the sensor to a safe area: Keep it away from flammable materials, heat sources, and water.
3. Handling a Damaged Battery
If the lithium battery is leaking or swollen:
Do not attempt to remove the battery yourself.
Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture or ignite.
Contact Spiio support for guidance on proper handling and disposal.
Avoid puncturing or crushing the battery.
Damaging the battery further can lead to chemical leakage or combustion.
4. Proper Gloves for Damaged Battery Handling
When dealing with damaged batteries, using the right gloves is crucial to ensure safety.
It is recommended to use Rubber Nitrile gloves with a thickness of around 15 millimeters. These gloves provide excellent chemical resistance and protection against battery electrolyte exposure. Do not use Disposable Nitrile Gloves.
Key Features of Rubber Nitrile Gloves:
High resistance to punctures and tears
Excellent barrier against chemicals and corrosive substances
Comfortable fit for extended handling sessions
Always wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, when handling damaged or leaking sensors to minimize the risk of injury.
5. Emergency Response and First Aid
Eye Contact or Skin Exposure:
If the battery electrolyte contacts eyes or skin, flush the affected area with water for 15 minutes.
Seek immediate medical help.
Ingestion:
If someone ingests lithium metal, rinse the mouth with water.
Seek immediate medical help.
Inhalation:
Move to a well-ventilated area if battery fumes are inhaled.
Seek medical assistance if symptoms persist.
Fire or Explosion:
In case of a fire or explosion, evacuate the area.
Use appropriate fire extinguishing methods (e.g., Class D fire extinguisher or sand).
Call emergency services.
General Precautions:
Always wear protective gear when handling batteries.
Do not touch damaged or leaking batteries with bare hands.
6. Damaged Sensor Recycling Instructions
Lithium batteries cannot be disposed of in regular trash due to environmental and safety concerns. Follow these steps for proper disposal:
Contact local waste disposal services to find a certified facility for lithium battery disposal.
Transport carefully: Place the damaged sensor in a sealed, non-conductive container.
Label the container clearly as containing a damaged lithium battery.
If damaged due to aerification, do not return to Spiio. Please adhere to the following instructions:
Leaking Sensor:
Evacuate the area, do not touch the leaked substance, and seek medical attention if necessary
Aerification:
If aerified, evacuate the area, do not touch the damaged unit, contact Spiio, Inc., and follow EPA guidelines for lithium battery accidents
Spiio, Inc. should always be informed to ensure the deregistering of discarded units in the local mobile network.
Contact Spiio, Inc. for additional support at support@spiio.com
Note: Many municipalities offer dedicated e-waste recycling services or hazardous waste disposal events that accept lithium batteries.
7. Requesting a Replacement Sensor
To ensure uninterrupted monitoring, request a replacement Spiio sensor by following these steps:
Contact Spiio support via the app or website.
Provide details of the damaged sensor, including:
Serial number
Description of the issue
Photos of the damage (if possible)
Spiio support will guide you through the replacement process, including shipping and handling.
8. Preventing Battery Damage
To prevent future issues, follow these best practices for handling and maintaining Spiio sensors:
Prior to aerification, either remove the sensors or mark them.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Operating the sensor in conditions beyond the recommended range can damage the battery.
Handle with care: Avoid dropping or subjecting the sensor to impact.
Regularly inspect sensors: Check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or physical damage.
Disclaimer
This soil sensor lithium battery guide offers a concise summary based on reliable sources about the material in question. While accurate to Spiio's knowledge, it doesn't encompass all global hazard communication regulations. Users are encouraged to assess conditions and implement suitable protective measures, and Spiio disclaims liability for the information's accuracy or completeness. Refer to Spiio's continually updated Terms & Conditions on their website: http://spiio.com/terms-conditions.