Quality Assurance for the Manufacturing of Lithium Batteries

U.N. Lithium Battery Informal Working Group

4thMeeting, May 18 – 20, 2010

Washington

Quality assurance for the manufacturing of lithium batteries

Submitted by the Expert from France

During the last session of the working group a discussion concerning a quality assurance requirement insuring that each battery produced would be in conformity with the tested sample has been initiated.

In order to move forward with this idea we would like to propose some draft of text to show how this could be concretely introduced in the regulations.

Depending on the view expressed by the working group France could then submit a proposal to a future subcommittee.

These proposal are based on existing text currently applicable to other items covered by the regulations.

Option 1

(inspired from the requirement for packagings 6,1,1,4)

Add a requirement to SP230 as follows:

“Batteries and cells shall be manufactured under a quality assurance program which satisfies the competent authority in order to ensure that each battery or cell meets the testing requirement defined in chapter 38,3 of the manual of test and criteria.

(application of ISO 9001 is a proof of conformity with this requirement) “

Option 2

(inspired from the requirement for aerosols 6.2.4.2.2.1)

Add a requirement to SP230 as follows:

“Cells and batteries manufacturers shall have a Quality system. The Quality system shall implement procedures to ensure that all manufactured cells and batteries are conforming to the type that meets the testing requirement defined in chapter 38,3 of the manual of test and criteria.

The quality system shall include:

(a)a description of the organizational structure and responsibilities;

(b)the relevant inspection and test, quality control, quality assurance, and process operation instructions that will be used;

(c)process control should include relevant activities to prevent and detect internal short circuit failure

(d)quality records, such as inspection reports, test data, calibration data and certificates;

(e)management reviews to ensure the effective operation of the quality system;

(f)a process for control of documents and their revision;

(g)a means for control of non-conforming cells or batteries

(h)training programmes and qualification procedures for relevant personnel; and

(i)procedures to ensure that there is no damage to the final product

The quality system shall be recorded, traceable and made available to the competent authority upon request.