Risks
Residual Risks
In spite of all precautions, residual risks remain. Some of these potential, not obvious hazards are explained below (list not exhaustive).
Fasteners ≥ 10.9 and case-hardened with electroplated coatings: Risk of hydrogen embrittlement!
Reduction of the risk of hydrogen embrittlement (ISO 4042)
In case of galvanically-finished connecting elements made of steel with hardness ≥ 360 HV, that are under tensile stress, there is a risk of failure due to hydrogen embrittlement. A heat treatment (baking) of the parts, e.g. following acid pickling or after metal coating, reduces the risk of breakage. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the risk of hydrogen embrittlement will be removed completely.
If the risk of hydrogen embrittlement must be reduced, then other coating procedures should be considered. Alternative methods of corrosion protection or coating should therefore be selected for parts which are important to safety, alternatives such as an organic zinc coating, mechanical zinc plating or a switch to stainless- and acid-resistant steel.
Spring elements ≥ 360 HV electroplated coatings: Risk of hydrogen embrittlement!
To the extent that manufacturing technology allows it, spring elements with anorganic coating or mechanical zinc plating can also be provided. If the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement is to be reduced, these coating processes should be taken into consideration.
Fasteners made of martensitic chrome steels: Stress corrosion can occur!
The proper use of martensitic chrome steels
(e.g., 1.4110, 1.4116, 1.4122 modified martensitic materials, ...) Martensitic Cr-steels differ from austenitic Cr-steels in their higher hardness and strength requirements. Usual fields of application are washers and self-cutting screws. Functional failure can be caused by stress corrosion or brittle fracture due to hydrogen absorption. Austenitic steels are preferred, if these materials are used in very aggressive ambient conditions, e.g., maritime climate, high humidity, use of detergents, high ambient temperatures and corrosive gases. In addition, martenisitic steels are less corrosion-resistant than austenitic Cr-Ni steels.
Correct handling, transport and use of chemical products and battery-operated products requires a knowledge of the applicable laws.
Hazardous substances require special measures for ensuring people and environmental protection. Contact with eyes, skin or mucous membranes must be avoided when processing chemical-technical products. It is recommended to wear protective goggles and safety gloves. Eye showers should be provided as well. The vapors produced during the processing should not be inhaled for a long time or in high concentration. Adequate ventilation of the workplace has to be ensured. The indicated mixing ratio must be closely observed. Corresponding labelling of the product and the appropriate documentation facilitate the correct use. For toxic products: It is essential to take precautions and note warnings on the packages. Hand over used or damaged batteries to an official collection point.
Transports generally take place according to ADR 3.3 in accordance with the conditions of Special Regulation 188. The delivery document specifies the handling.
Observe the safety data sheets provided by the product manufacturer and strictly comply with the precautionary measures described therein!
Transport instructions in EU/CH:
The recommended Li-ion batteries are subject to the requirements of dangerous goods legislation. The batteries can be transported by the user by road without any further requirements.
When shipping by third parties (e.g. air transport or freight forwarders), special packaging and labeling requirements must be observed. A dangerous goods expert must be consulted when preparing the package.
Only ship rechargeable batteries if the housing is undamaged. Tape off open contacts and pack the battery so that it cannot move in the packaging. Please observe the labeling and packaging requirements. A dangerous goods expert must be consulted when preparing the package.
Only ship rechargeable batteries if the housing is undamaged. Tape open contacts and pack the battery in such a way that it does not move in the packaging. Please also observe any additional national regulations.
EU market requirement
According to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its transposition into national law, power tools that are no longer fit for use and, according to the European Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or used rechargeable batteries/batteries must be collected separately and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
If disposed of improperly, waste electrical and electronic equipment can have harmful effects on the environment and human health due to the possible presence of hazardous substances.