1. Normal Operation
Follow safety precautions, proper storage, and usage guidelines to ensure optimal performance.
Ensuring Proper Magnet Replacement During Storage or Maintenance:
To prevent unnecessary data transmission when a soil sensor is not in use—such as during aerification or long-term storage—proper magnet replacement is essential. The magnet stops the sensor from transmitting data and conserves battery life.
Best Practices for Magnet Replacement:
When removing a sensor for storage or aerification, ensure that the magnet is securely placed back onto the sensor.
Confirm that the sensor is no longer blinking or transmitting data.
Store the sensor in a cool, dry location to prevent damage.
Following these steps ensures the sensor remains in good condition and ready for future use while extending its battery life.
Exercise caution when handling lithium battery devices:
Storage:
Keep soil sensors in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Usage:
Utilize soil sensors as intended, following manufacturer guidelines.
Do not touch damaged or leaking batteries with bare hands.
Keep a copy of this guide for lithium batteries handy.
2. Return Process
For undamaged sensors, follow the return instructions:
Sensor Return Instructions:
Properly package and label the soil sensors for return. Follow below safety guidelines for damaged sensors.
Packaging:
Affix the magnet to the sensor securely to ensure it does not dislodge in the return process
Place the sensor in the original packaging using the provided packing materials.
Box Labeling:
Use the original box labeled with "UN3091" and "Lithium Batteries Forbidden for Transport Aboard Aircraft and Vessel."
Prepaid Label:
Affix the prepaid label over the previous shipping label.
Handling a Punctured Sensor (SP110) — Aerification Damage Response
Lithium (LiSOCl₂) Battery Warning: Can leak, overheat, or ignite — treat any damaged unit as hazardous material.
First — assess the severity:
Punctured, not leaking → follow Steps 1–4 below
Battery leaking electrolyte → follow Steps 1–5
Smoking or on fire → evacuate, call 911, go to Step 6
Step 1 — Stop & Secure the Area
Stop all work; keep people clear of the sensor.
Never touch a damaged sensor bare-handed.
Set a perimeter: keep personnel well clear and remain upwind. Increase isolation distance if smoke, fumes, or fire are present.
Step 2 — Assess the Hazard
Check for puncture, leakage, smoke, fire, residue, or swelling/heat.
If leaking or smoking, ventilate — fumes are corrosive/toxic (SO₂/HCl).
Hissing, swelling, acrid smell, or rising heat — back away, treat as fire.
Fire, smoke, or ignition — call emergency services and go to Step 6.
Step 3 — Wear Appropriate PPE
Minimum: nitrile gloves (6 mil+) + safety glasses.
Leaking/burned: gauntlet gloves + face shield.
Near fumes or smoke: acid-gas respirator (not a dust mask).
Step 4 — Remove & Contain
Replace the magnet to power off first.
Remove gently — do not crush or bend.
Tape exposed battery; bag each unit individually.
Store in a fireproof bag or container, away from heat and water. Bags are available on Amazon.
Bag must be rated to contain fires up to 2500°F — LiSOCl₂ cells can reach thermal runaway.
Step 5 — Exposure Response (leaking electrolyte only)
Skin or eyes: flush 15+ minutes immediately; get medical care.
Inhalation: move to fresh air.
Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth; get medical care.
Step 6 — Fire Response (smoking or burning)
Do not approach a smoking or burning unit — let it stop and cool first (it can reignite).
Evacuate; keep others clear.
Before approaching: put on full PPE — gauntlet gloves + face shield + respiratory protection (see Step 3).
Class D extinguisher or dry sand only — never water.
Call 911 / emergency services if not controlled.
After the area is safe — clean up, dispose & report
Step 7 — Check & Remediate the Soil
Inspect for charring, residue, fragments, or odor.
Remove affected soil and debris. For burned units, remove at least 12" of soil surrounding the unit.
Backfill with clean soil, then plug the area.
Step 8 — Dispose Properly
Keep each unit in a rated fireproof bag until disposal (see Step 4).
Hazardous waste — never put in regular trash.
Undamaged batteries: use a certified battery recycler or HHW program.
Damaged batteries: use an approved hazardous e-waste handler (e.g., Veolia, Clean Harbors).
Label as damaged lithium; do not return to Spiio.
Step 9 — Contact Syngenta & Report
Photograph the sensor and the area.
Record date, location, description, and serial number.
Report to your Syngenta Digital Platforms Rep at greencastconnect.support@syngenta.com.
Rep guides tracking, support, and Spiio replacement.
Step 10 — Prevention
Flag or remove sensors before aerification.
Train operators on sensor locations.
Store sensors in a cool, dry area out of sunlight.
Inspect often; avoid impact and out-of-range use.
DO NOT: Put water on a fire · Handle a damaged unit bare-handed · Put it in a vehicle or enclosed cab · Stack or pile damaged units · Carry it against your body
Remember: Power off with the magnet first · Class D Fire Extinguisher or dry sand for fire · Start flushing exposure at once (15+ min) · Treat the unit as hazardous waste.
3. Damaged Sensor Recycling Instructions
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.
Damaged Sensors: If damaged due to aerification, do not return. 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 greencastconnect.support@syngenta.com
4. 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 prompt medical attention.
Ingestion:
If someone ingests lithium metal, do not induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth with water if conscious.
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.
5. Transportation and Labeling Guidance
Keep SP-110 units in its corresponding packaging when moved from one location to another.
Depending on the chosen method of transportation, the responsible party must communicate that the shipment includes lithium cells or batteries with the specified configuration:
"Contained in equipment" (in accordance with ICAO/IATA Packing Instruction 970, Section I).
Further Assistance
For additional questions or help, email greencastconnect.support@syngenta.com
Additional Resources
For more information on EPA recycling guidelines, visit EPA Recycle Guideline
Explore additional lithium battery recycling centers Recycling Centers
Familiarize yourself with the battery recycling laws applicable to your state to ensure compliance and responsible disposal practices Recycling Laws by State
Check the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website and consult with your respective airlines for guidance on air travel with your lithium battery items
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.