Storage Containers for Lithium-Ion Batteries — The SafetyBATTbox Products from LogBATT
Based on our successful SafetyBATTboxes as transport crates, we responded to high demand and developed a solution for the storage and quarantine sector, including all the safety features of the proven transport systems.
Safe storage solutions for damaged and defective lithium batteries
With the SafetyBATTboxes, LogBATT offers solutions for the quarantine storage, buffer storage, evacuation and safe long-term storage of lithium batteries. Depending on the stage of use, the containers are also referred to as a storage box, quarantine box, emergency box or evacuation container — all these terms describe the same type of container used in different situations.
Our storage solutions are suitable for:
- damaged or defective lithium batteries that need to be safely held in interim storage before being transported away
- critically defective batteries with a thermal-runaway risk that require immediate isolation from the rest of the storage area
- quarantine storage after workshop incidents or damage events, until onward transport can be organised
- buffer storage before recycling or further processing
- outdoor storage at works yards, recycling sites and service locations
- industry, logistics, workshops, automotive operations and waste-disposal companies
Storage containers – now also available for rental!
You can now benefit from even more flexibility: our proven SafetyBATTbox Storage family for the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries – whether non-defective, defective or critically defective – is available not only to buy, but also to rent. This gives you an economical solution for fluctuating needs, time-limited projects or short-term requirements. Get in touch with us; we’re happy to advise you personally and find the right rental solution together.
Regulatory framework for storing lithium batteries
There is no single, unified legal basis for the storage of lithium-ion batteries. Instead of one closed set of rules, an interplay of hazardous-substances law, fire-protection guidelines and insurance recommendations applies, which sets out concrete protective measures depending on the battery’s condition, the quantity stored and the location.
Damaged, defective or critically unstable lithium batteries assigned to the UN numbers
- UN 3090 – Lithium metal batteries
- UN 3091 – Lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment
- UN 3480 – Lithium-ion batteries
- UN 3481 – Lithium-ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment
pose a considerable risk of fire, explosion and the release of toxic gases even at rest. Unlike transport, where a clearly defined period exists between packaging and destination, lithium batteries in storage often need to be monitored over days, weeks or months — which significantly increases the likelihood of a delayed thermal-runaway event.
The following frameworks are decisive for the storage of damaged or defective lithium batteries (context: German/EU regulatory environment):
- Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) — forms the overarching legal framework for handling hazardous substances in the workplace and requires a risk assessment before any storage
- TRGS 510 — Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances, governs the storage of hazardous substances in movable containers and defines requirements for storage quantities, fire protection, ventilation and separation from other hazardous substances
- VdS Guideline 3103 — recommendation from the German Insurance Association (GDV) for fire protection when storing and handling lithium batteries; a key basis for insurance cover
- DGUV Information FBFHB-018 — practical guidance from the German Social Accident Insurance for the safe handling of damaged lithium-ion batteries in day-to-day operations
- ADR dangerous-goods Class 9 — the classification that all lithium batteries fall under; remains relevant in storage because it underpins labelling and documentation requirements derived from transport law
- BAM-tested and UN-certified storage containers — a central requirement of the protection concept; only tested containers may be used to hold damaged or critically defective lithium batteries
Unlike transport, storage has no uniformly defined packing instructions such as P908 or P911. Instead, the operation’s individual risk assessment determines which protective measures are required. In addition, structural fire protection for the storage area, technical fire protection through smoke detectors, extinguishing systems and ventilation, and documentation of the storage concept all apply.
Thermal runaway in storage operations: the delayed risk
Even minor mechanical damage, ageing, overcharging or improper charging can cause lithium battery cells to undergo a thermal reaction, known in technical terms as thermal runaway. This results in an uncontrolled exothermic reaction that produces large quantities of smoke gas, and the pressure inside the cell can rise so sharply that an explosion and, subsequently, a violent fire can occur.
Damaged lithium batteries can react thermally even at rest — sometimes with a delay of hours, days or even weeks after the original damage event. A battery that appears stable immediately after an accident or a fall can become a hazard through a slowly developing internal short circuit. This makes storage in an unsecured area particularly dangerous, since intervention in the event of damage is often only possible once the reaction has already begun.
The storage context itself amplifies the risk. A battery usually consists of many individual cells, and a fire in one cell can spread to neighbouring cells — known as thermal propagation. In a storage area where several batteries are kept together, there is the additional risk of fire spreading from one battery to the others. A localised cell event can thus turn into a full storage-area fire within a short time.
Typical triggers for delayed thermal-runaway events in storage include swollen batteries collected from workshops, crashed traction batteries from electric vehicles, returns from recall campaigns, or prototype batteries from development whose behaviour has not yet been fully characterised. In all these cases, isolated storage in a tested safety container is the only reliable protective measure.
SafetyBATTbox storage containers: safety solutions for the long-term storage of defective lithium batteries
LogBATT’s SafetyBATTbox products were developed specifically for the demands of the long-term storage of damaged, defective and critically defective lithium-ion batteries. Unlike pure transport packaging, which is designed for a limited period of use, the storage containers are built for continuous storage over weeks or months — robust, weather-resistant and compatible with common storage infrastructure.
The BAM-tested containers protect people and the environment even if a stored battery reacts thermally. The robust construction of steel with a stainless-steel inner tray provides mechanical protection against projectiles and flames during an event. The integrated gas management system ensures controlled pressure relief and filtering of the smoke gases. Thermal insulation keeps the outer surface temperature within a controlled range during a battery fire and prevents the fire from spreading to neighbouring containers or stored goods.
Inside the container, LogBAGs — reusable fire-protection cushions made of tested non-combustible material in accordance with DIN 4102 — hold the stored batteries in place and absorb escaping liquids such as electrolyte or coolant. Unlike loose fire-protection bulk material, LogBAGs can be removed, inspected and reused after use, which is especially practical for storage involving frequent access or repacking.
A particular advantage of LogBATT’s SafetyBATTbox XL Storage is its practical front-loading design. This means even heavy or large lithium batteries can be pushed straight in quickly, safely and ergonomically using a pallet truck or industrial truck — without laborious lifting from above. This saves time, reduces the risk when handling defective or critically defective lithium batteries, and enables significantly more efficient use in storage, quarantine and evacuation areas. Combined with successful real-world fire tests, thermal insulation and an integrated gas management system, the SafetyBATTbox XL Storage offers maximum safety for modern lithium-battery logistics.
Areas of application for SafetyBATTbox storage containers
Typical storage scenarios for damaged and critically defective lithium-ion batteries include:
- Quarantine storage of defective batteries after a workshop incident, a customer return, or a damage event, until compliant onward transport is organised
- Buffer storage before recycling or further processing, particularly for large quantities from recall campaigns
- Outdoor placement at works yards, recycling sites or in front of workshop buildings — the storage containers are weather-resistant and can move the fire risk away from the building
- Storage of prototype batteries from development, whose behaviour under load has not yet been fully characterised
- Fire-safe storage of reserve batteries in energy-storage systems, backup power systems or UPS installations
SafetyBATTbox Storage family
Usable as a storage, quarantine and evacuation container
- Emergency container for storing small to large lithium-ion batteries
- Thermal insulation — extinguishing without water
- Smoke-gas routing and filter system
- Collection of liquids such as electrolyte or coolant using absorbent material
- Stackable 1+1
- Front-loading or top-loading
- Modular use
- Additional options:
+ Partition walls
+ Roller conveyor or grating inside
+ Movable with: rollers, pallet trucks or industrial trucks (empty only)
+ Sensor monitoring
+ Maintenance-free
Advantages of the LogBATT Storage family
- Usable for cells, modules and up to large PHEV and BEV high-voltage storage systems
- Fire and projectiles stay in the box¹
- No extinguishing water required
- Usable without an extinguishing-water retention system
- Flexible use in production, workshops, trade, authorities, institutes, etc.
- Divisible (applies to the XL box only)
- Operable by a single person
¹For the tested versions with additional packaging material
Product overview: the SafetyBATTbox storage containers at a glance
| SafetyBATTbox | XL-Storage |
| External dimensions [mm] | 3196 x 2298 x 1237 |
| Internal dimensions [mm] | 2976 x 2039 x 757.5 |
| Empty weight approx. [kg] | 1150 |
| Housing | Stainless steel, galvanised, powder-coated |
| Gas management system | ✓ |
| Stackable | ✓ |
| Battery weight up to [kg] | 1050 |
| SafetyBATTbox | L-Storage |
| External dimensions [mm] | 1604 x 1204 x 945 |
| Internal dimensions [mm] | 1390 x 993 x 519 |
| Empty weight approx. [kg] | 295 |
| Housing | Anodised aluminium, stainless steel, galvanised |
| Gas management system | ✓ |
| Stackable | ✓ |
| Battery weight up to [kg] | 350 |
| SafetyBATTbox | M-Storage |
| External dimensions [mm] | 1000 x 600 x 700 |
| Internal dimensions [mm] | 816 x 416 x 306 |
| Empty weight approx. [kg] | 85 |
| Housing | Galvanised steel |
| Gas management system | ✓ |
| Stackable | ✓ |
| Battery weight up to [kg] | 80 |
Fire test with version 1 of the SBB XL-Storage
Find out more about our emergency containers:
Phone: +49 7153 925080 | Email: info@logbatt.de
Simple and quick to operate in an emergency.
- Smoke-gas filtering
- Thermal insulation
- Stackable
- Collection tray with absorbent material
- Simple handling
- Front-loading
- Optional accessories: partition wall and roller conveyor
SafetyBATTbox M-Storage
Optional accessories:
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about storage containers for lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion cells
Which legal regulations apply to the storage of lithium batteries?
There is no single, unified legal basis for storing lithium batteries. The key frameworks are the Hazardous Substances Ordinance in conjunction with TRGS 510 (storage in movable containers), the VdS Guideline 3103 and DGUV Information FBFHB-018. These frameworks require a fire-protection concept and a risk assessment. The SafetyBATTbox Storage family is designed as a storage and quarantine container to minimise damage.
What does TRGS 510 regulate for battery storage?
TRGS 510 (Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances) applies to the storage of hazardous substances in movable containers. It defines requirements for storage quantities, fire protection, ventilation and separation from other hazardous substances. Lithium batteries are treated as falling under Class 9 dangerous goods. Storage containers such as the SafetyBATTbox Storage support storage in tested fire-protection containers in line with TRGS 510.
What does the VdS Guideline 3103 say?
The VdS Guideline 3103 is a recommendation from the German Insurance Association (GDV) on fire protection when storing, handling and transporting lithium batteries. It defines protection concepts depending on energy quantity, cell count and battery condition. Insurers frequently refer to VdS 3103 when assessing fire risk. The SafetyBATTbox Storage family is suitable for meeting these recommendations.
Do I need my own fire-protection concept for battery storage?
Yes, above a certain storage quantity a documented fire-protection concept is mandatory — both under hazardous-substances law and for insurance cover. Among other things, it governs storage location, storage containers, extinguishing agents, emergency plans and staff qualification. The SafetyBATTbox Storage family is designed as an integral part of such a concept — tested, documented and supported by LogBATT’s advisory service.
Why do I need a special storage container for defective lithium batteries?
Defective batteries can react thermally even at rest — sometimes with a delay of hours or days after the damage event. A normal storage area offers neither thermal insulation nor smoke-gas routing and can therefore endanger the whole building. The SafetyBATTbox Storage keeps heat, flames, projectiles and liquids contained within the container in the event of an incident, protecting the surrounding area.
What happens if a battery reacts inside the storage container?
If a battery reacts thermally inside the SafetyBATTbox Storage, the event is contained within the container: thermal insulation keeps the outer surface at a controlled temperature, directed smoke-gas routing with a filter system channels away toxic gases, collection trays with absorbent material bind escaping liquids, and LogCOVER fire-protection blankets prevent the fire from spreading inside the container. The surrounding storage environment remains protected.
Which storage containers does LogBATT offer for lithium batteries?
The SafetyBATTbox Storage family includes the XL-Storage for large EV batteries and high-voltage storage systems, the L-Storage for industrial modules and medium-sized battery packs, and the M-Storage for smaller cell units and multiple batteries. Each model meets the requirements of TRGS 510 and VdS 3103 and can optionally be rented as well as purchased.
How much capacity does the SafetyBATTbox Storage family offer?
The SafetyBATTbox XL-Storage holds batteries of up to 1,050 kg — enough for complete EV battery packs. The L-Storage is designed for modules up to several hundred kg, and the M-Storage for smaller cell groups. The exact internal dimensions and weight figures are listed on the respective product page.
Which materials are used for LogBATT’s storage containers?
Depending on the model, LogBATT manufactures the storage containers from powder-coated steel (XL Storage) or galvanised steel (L-Storage and M-Storage). An inner tray made of heat-resistant stainless steel provides heat protection across all these models. All materials are heat- and weather-resistant and approved for placement both indoors and outdoors (under cover).
Are LogBATT’s storage containers stackable?
Yes, the SafetyBATTbox Storage family is designed to be stackable — saving storage space when holding several defective batteries in quarantine. Stackability is part of the design-type approval and ensures full fire protection even when stacked. The maximum stacking height depends on the model.
Can I place LogBATT’s storage containers outdoors?
Yes, all material variants of the SafetyBATTbox Storage are weather-resistant and approved for outdoor placement (under cover). This makes them suitable for storage yards, recycling sites, works yards and parking areas directly in front of production or workshop buildings. Outdoor placement additionally reduces the fire risk for adjacent buildings.
Are LogBATT’s storage containers also approved for transport?
No. The SafetyBATTbox Storage family is designed as a storage solution. A defective battery must be transported in a UN-certified transport container in an ADR-compliant manner, provided the relevant packing instruction is met. The exact transport approval for the SafetyBATTbox transport variant is listed on each product page. For the transport of lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion cells, LogBATT offers dedicated, approved transport crates optimised specifically for that purpose.
Can I buy or rent storage containers from LogBATT?
Both options are possible. You can buy the SafetyBATTbox Storage directly — a sensible choice for sites with regular demand such as recycling operations, workshop fleets or industrial production facilities. For temporary needs such as recall campaigns or project phases, LogBATT also offers the storage containers for rental.
Which LogBATT storage containers are suitable for EV batteries?
For complete EV battery packs and large high-voltage storage systems, the SafetyBATTbox XL-Storage is the right model — it holds batteries of up to 1,050 kg and is also designed for the quarantine storage of critically defective PHEV and BEV batteries. For individual EV battery modules, the SafetyBATTbox L Storage is an alternative option.