BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, has published the first standard to address battery safety issues posed by button (non-lithium) and coin (lithium) batteries, and provide a consistent approach for products that contain these batteries. It is sponsored by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

The new standard, named PAS 7055:2021, Button and coin batteries – Safety requirements – Specification, is aligned with The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) which requires that new and used consumer products placed on the market are safe.

It specifies battery safety requirements for button and coin batteries up to 32 mm in diameter to mitigate the risk of ingestion. It also defines the safety requirements for manufacturers and producers of button and coin batteries, including the consumer products that use them, and the retailers and distributors of these products. The requirements cover labelling, instructions and packaging, alignment of safety and health warnings, merchandising, safe disposal and product safety of typical consumer products using button and coin batteries.  

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors at BSI said: “With recent developments in product design and technology, batteries are now available in a wide range of consumer products which can be aimed at vulnerable groups including children. PAS 7055 is an important step to address the safety issues posed by batteries to protect consumers.”

The standards have been developed by a steering group of consumers and experts from the battery, retail and safety industries.