Lithium Products Disclaimer
Essential safety information, terms & conditions for lithium battery products
This page provides essential information regarding the usage and purchase of lithium products, including a disclaimer outlining potential risks and Sleepco's non-liability for damages caused by lithium battery failures. It details the Terms & Conditions of sale, highlighting the buyer's responsibilities and obligations. Additionally, it includes critical safety tips for handling, storing, and using lithium batteries to prevent hazards such as overheating, leakage, fire, or explosion, ensuring user safety and compliance with industry standards.
By purchasing any Lithium Battery Product from Sleepco, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with lithium batteries or products containing lithium.
Risks Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- Leakage of toxic or corrosive electrolytes
- Fire or explosion caused by overheating or overcharging
- Internal short circuits due to cell damage or manufacturing defects
- External short circuits from faulty wiring or improper connections
- Battery terminals contacting metallic items during storage or transport
- Thermal runaway leading to rapid temperature increase
- Release of toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride
- Property damage from battery failure or misuse
By purchasing lithium products from Sleepco, you agree to strictly adhere to all safety requirements and recommendations outlined below.
Pre-Use Requirements
Read all safety warnings and instructions before using or charging the battery, including the NZI Risk Management guide on lithium batteries and manufacturer documentation.
Immediate Stop Conditions
Discontinue use immediately if battery exhibits excessive overheating, strange odours/noises, leaking, or changes in colour or shape.
Compliance Obligation
Follow all manufacturer's care and use instructions and comply with all applicable regulations and laws in your jurisdiction.
Protection Circuits
Ensure all devices have necessary protection circuits installed with the battery, including overcurrent, overvoltage, and thermal protection.
To minimise the risk of damage, residual leakage, fire, or explosion, you must strictly observe the following guidelines:
Storage Requirements:
- Always store batteries in a fireproof container designed for lithium batteries
- Charge batteries in an isolated area away from flammable materials
- Maintain storage temperature between 0°C and 25°C with low humidity
- Store batteries at 30-50% charge for long-term storage
- Keep batteries in original packaging when not in use
Prohibited Actions:
- Disassembling, crushing, cutting, puncturing, or modifying batteries
- Short circuiting, incinerating, or exposing batteries to fire
- Exposing batteries to water, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight
- Using damaged, peeling, punctured, dented, or altered batteries
- Using batteries with products operating at higher electrical current
- Building custom battery packs or chargers without proper certification
- Modifying chargers or batteries beyond manufacturer specifications
Safety Protocols:
- Keep batteries out of reach of children and pets at all times
- Never mix old and new batteries or different brands/types
- Use only smart chargers with built-in protection circuits
- Monitor charging process and never leave batteries unattended while charging
- Maintain proper ventilation in charging and storage areas
- Have appropriate fire suppression equipment readily available
Sleepco provides limited warranty coverage for lithium products and complementary equipment under specific conditions.
Initial Warranty Period
Sleepco warrants all complementary products (inverters, converters, chargers, etc.) are free from defects for 30 days from purchase date.
Extended Manufacturer Warranty
After 30 days, the manufacturer's standard warranty applies (typically 1 year from purchase date, unless otherwise specified).
Warranty Coverage
Covers manufacturing defects and material failures under normal usage conditions as defined by manufacturer specifications.
Warranty Claims Process
All warranty claims require proof of purchase, detailed fault description, and professional assessment of the claimed defect.
This limited warranty does not apply to product damage or failure resulting from the following conditions:
User-Related Exclusions:
- Negligence, misuse, abuse, or accidents by users
- Improper installation, operation, or storage procedures
- Overcharging, over-discharging, or exceeding product limitations
- Physical damage, vibration damage, or unauthorised alterations
- Poor connections or connection to poorly-grounded equipment
Environmental & External Factors:
- Damage during shipment or natural disasters
- Circumstances beyond Sleepco's control
- Normal capacity loss or increased resistance due to ageing
- Storage in overly discharged state or extreme conditions
- Exposure to corrosive environments or contamination
Third-Party Related Exclusions:
- Damage caused by third parties or other products
- Use with incompatible or non-certified equipment
- Modifications by unauthorised service providers
- Integration with systems not approved by manufacturer
Special considerations apply when products are relocated outside New Zealand during the warranty period.
Additional Costs
International shipping, customs duties, import taxes, and handling fees become the customer's responsibility upon relocation.
Service Limitations
Warranty service may be limited or unavailable in certain countries due to shipping restrictions or regulatory requirements.
Local Compliance
Customer must ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards in the destination country.
Documentation Requirements
Additional documentation may be required for international warranty claims, including customs declarations and local certifications.
Understanding Sleepco's liability limitations is crucial for all lithium product purchases.
Personal Injury
Sleepco accepts no responsibility for personal injury resulting from product use, including burns, respiratory issues, or other health impacts.
Property Damage
No liability for damage to personal property, vehicles, buildings, or other equipment caused by battery failure or misuse.
Consequential Damages
Exclusion covers indirect damages such as lost profits, business interruption, or replacement costs for damaged items.
Maximum Liability
In all cases, Sleepco's maximum liability is limited to the purchase price of the specific product in question.
Know how to respond safely to lithium battery emergencies to protect yourself and others.
In Case of Battery Fire:
- Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services
- Do not use water - use Class D fire extinguisher or sand if safe to do so
- Ventilate the area to prevent toxic gas accumulation
- Keep fire department informed about lithium battery involvement
- Do not attempt to move burning batteries
Gas Release or Leakage:
- Evacuate area and ensure adequate ventilation
- Avoid inhaling vapours or gases
- Seek medical attention if exposure occurs
- Contain spilled electrolyte with absorbent materials
- Contact hazardous waste disposal services
Physical Contact with Electrolyte:
- Rinse affected skin or eyes with clean water for 15 minutes
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Do not induce vomiting if electrolyte is ingested
- Provide medical personnel with battery safety data sheet
Users must comply with all applicable local, national, and international regulations regarding lithium battery handling and disposal.
New Zealand Standards
Comply with NZI Risk Management guidelines and all applicable New Zealand safety standards for lithium battery products.
Transport Regulations
Follow IATA, IMDG, and UN regulations when transporting lithium batteries, including proper packaging and documentation.
Disposal Requirements
Dispose of lithium batteries only through certified recycling facilities in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Workplace Safety
Employers must ensure worker training and compliance with occupational health and safety requirements for lithium battery handling.
Your purchase constitutes acceptance of all terms, conditions, and disclaimers outlined in this document.
Binding Agreement
This disclaimer forms a legally binding agreement between the purchaser and Sleepco regarding lithium product usage and liability.
Ongoing Obligations
Terms remain in effect for the entire lifespan of the product, including any warranty or post-warranty periods.
Policy Updates
Sleepco reserves the right to update this policy. Customers will be notified of material changes via email or website notification.
Jurisdiction
This agreement is governed by New Zealand law, and disputes will be resolved in New Zealand courts.
For questions about lithium product safety, warranty claims, or this disclaimer, contact our support team.
Safety Inquiries: Report safety incidents or concerns immediately for prompt assistance.
Technical Support: Get expert guidance on proper lithium battery usage and safety protocols.
Safety Support: support@sleepco.nz