6/29/2017

Expanded Warning On The M18™ HIGH DEMAND™ 9.0 Battery

MILWAUKEE, WI – JUNE 29, 2017 – In consultation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), Milwaukee Tool is voluntarily expanding the warnings and instructions of its MILWAUKEE M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack (model no. 48-11-1890). The expanded product warnings address situations that could lead to a battery pack failure and/or other safety hazards. This safety notice does not require users to return their M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery packs.

Should highly conductive or corrosive fluids get inside the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in sufficient quantities, it can cause battery pack failure. Failure can include short-circuit which, in the extreme situation, can result in smoking or fire, even when not in use. Examples of highly conductive or corrosive fluids include seawater, certain industrial chemicals and bleach or bleach-containing products.

Because Milwaukee Tool is committed to continuously improving safety, quality and customer satisfaction for the professional trades, the company is proactively taking immediate action, issuing expanded warnings and instructions for the MILWAUKEE M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack.

MILWAUKEE TOOL is urging its customers to download, read and understand the expanded warnings and instructions in their entirety at www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions

Any customers who believe highly conductive or corrosive fluids have entered their M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack should immediately contact Milwaukee Tool at 1-844-577-5515 (7am to 10pm Eastern Time Sunday through Saturday).


About Milwaukee Tool
Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry in both durability and performance by providing the best in professional, heavy-duty tools and accessories. With an unwavering commitment to the trades, Milwaukee continues to lead with a focus on providing innovative, trade-specific solutions. Whether it is through their leadership in LITHIUM-ION technology, as seen in the M12™, M18™ & M28™ Systems, time-saving accessories or innovative hand tool products, Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced solutions for the trades that offer increased productivity and unmatched durability. Milwaukee Tool is a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY). For more information on the full line of Milwaukee® products, please call 1-800-SAWDUST or visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you expanding the instructions and warnings for any other MILWAUKEE battery packs?

While these expanded warnings and instructions are currently directed to the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack, the same caution should be taken by users of all battery packs and cordless and corded power tools, regardless of manufacturer, to avoid exposing the products to conductive or corrosive fluids. This exposure can degrade the performance and life of any battery pack or tool.

Can I still use my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack?

Yes, provided you follow the expanded instructions and warnings. To ensure safe handling and operating, please read the updated instructions here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions.

Do I have to return my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack?

No. There is nothing wrong with your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack. Its usage needs you to follow the expanded warnings and instructions on the proper use of the battery. You should obtain and follow the expanded instructions and warnings, available here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions, to ensure safe handling and operating.

How are the instructions and warnings being expanded? Do I have to turn in my manual?

You do not need to return any of the instructions or warnings that accompanied your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack. You simply need to get a copy of the expanded warnings and instructions and read them. You can download them here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions.

How do I get a copy of the expanded instructions and warnings for my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack?

You can read and download them here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions.

How do I know if any fluid entered my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack? I don't know if my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack has been exposed to fluid or materials? How do I tell?

You should not attempt to open the battery pack to determine if any fluids got inside. If you do not know whether any fluid entered into your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack or if you do know, but do not recall whether the fluid was highly conductive or corrosive, immediately call us at: 1-800-SAWDUST (7:00am - 10:00pm Eastern time Sunday - Saturday).

How do I know if my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack needs expanded instructions and warnings?

You don't need to figure it out. If you have an M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack, to make sure you have the most up-to-date warnings and instructions, download them here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions and read them.

How much highly conductive or corrosive fluid entering the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack is needed to cause the battery to fail?

The quantity necessary to cause a failure within the pack can vary depending on the type of fluid, so you should take such steps as are appropriate given your conditions of use to avoid allowing these types of fluids to get into the pack. This warning is not intended to communicate that you should avoid using the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in areas where these types of fluids are present or being used; it means you should avoid letting these fluids get inside the pack. You should not attempt to open the battery pack to determine if these types of fluids got inside. If you believe highly conductive or corrosive fluids have entered your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack, immediately call us at: 1-800-SAWDUST (7:00am - 10:00pm Eastern time Sunday - Saturday).

I have an M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack. What do I do?

You simply need to get a copy of the expanded warnings and instructions and read and follow them. You can read and download them here: www.milwaukeetool.com/expandedinstructions

I use my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack on multiple M18 tools. Are my M18 tools exposed or at risk?

No. These expanded instructions and warnings are for the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack. However, we recommend the same caution should be taken by users of all battery packs and cordless and corded power tools, regardless of manufacturer, to avoid exposing the products to conductive or corrosive fluids. This exposure can degrade the performance and life of any battery pack or tool.

I work near the ocean or on a jobsite with highly conductive or corrosive fluids. Does this mean I can't use the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in those areas?

No. These expanded instructions and warnings do not mean that you should avoid using the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in areas where highly conductive or corrosive fluids are present or being used. Rather, you should avoid those situations where the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack is exposed to highly conductive or corrosive fluids that are likely to result in the fluids getting inside the battery pack. For example, if you are working on a pier over the ocean, avoid setting your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in a puddle of seawater. You should also avoid using your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack in a manner where it could be engulfed by a wave of seawater or repeatedly splashed. These are not exhaustive examples. If you are unsure of your particular situation, please call us at 1-800-SAWDUST (7:00am - 10:00pm Eastern time Sunday - Saturday).

Is this a REDLITHIUM™ battery pack issue?

No. The same caution should be taken by users of all battery packs and cordless and corded power tools, regardless of manufacturer, to avoid exposing the products to conductive or corrosive fluids. This exposure can degrade the performance and life of any battery pack or tool.

Is this risk unique to lithium-ion battery packs?

No. The same caution should be taken by users of all battery packs and cordless and corded power tools, regardless of manufacturer, to avoid exposing the products to conductive or corrosive fluids. This exposure can degrade the performance and life of any battery pack or tool.

What would happen if rain water entered my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack? I left my M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack out in the rain. What do I do?

Rainwater is typically not a highly conductive or corrosive fluid. However, rainwater may still degrade the performance and life of your M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack. In an abundance of caution, we recommend disconnecting the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack from any tool or charger and call us at: 1-800-SAWDUST (7:00am - 10:00pm Eastern time Sunday - Saturday) to receive further instructions.

Why are you expanding the instructions and warnings for the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack?

We are expanding the instructions and warnings to inform users of potential risks when highly conductive or corrosive fluids enter the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack.

Will this warning always be there for the M18 HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery pack?

Milwaukee Tool continuously looks at ways to improve battery pack performance and to further reduce the likelihood of potential risks and hazards when using our products. While we are always looking at ways to improve our products, you should still read and always follow the warnings and instructions that come with your product for proper usage.