§173.189 Batteries containing sodium or cells containing sodium.

(a) Batteries and cells may not contain any hazardous material other than sodium, sulfur or sodium compounds (e.g. sodium polysulfides, sodium tetrachloroaluminate, etc.). Cells not forming a component of a completed battery may not be offered for transportation at a temperature at which any liquid sodium is present in the cell. Batteries may only be offered for transportation, or transported, at a temperature at which any liquid sodium present in the battery conforms to the conditions prescribed in paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) Cells must be protected against short circuit and must consist of hermetically sealed metal casings that fully enclose the hazardous materials and that are so constructed and closed as to prevent the release of the hazardous materials under normal conditions of transport. Cells must be placed in suitable outer packagings with sufficient cushioning material to prevent contact between cells and between cells and the internal surfaces of the outer packaging, and to ensure that no dangerous shifting of the cells within the outer packaging occurs in transport. Cells must be packaged in 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, 1D, 1G, 1H2, 4A, 4B, 4N, 4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F, 4G, 4H1, 4H2, 3A2, 3B2 or 3H2) outer packagings that meet the requirements of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group II performance level.