5.2 Safety Requirements

Safe operations are a priority for RoboNation. All considerations to maintain safety for operators and the surrounding environment must be made. These guidelines are the minimum requirements for all teams and their systems during the competition.

1. All Radio Frequency (RF) equipment must be operated within the rules and regulations of the host country. This includes, but is not limited to, frequency, transmitting power, antenna height, etc.

2. AUV power systems must follow the safety rules and regulations of the host country as well as the team’s home country.

3. RoboSub staff may suspend team operations at any time for safety or security considerations. The staff is not required to advise the team prior to the decision to terminate the run attempt. In all matters of safety, the decisions of the RoboSub staff are final.

5.2.1 Safety Inspections

Before operating in the water, all systems must pass a safety inspection. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Clear identification of kill switch and verification of operation.

2. Shrouded propellers.

3. Components safely secured on the vehicle (that should remain in the vehicle).

4. Safe areas identified for the diver to grab/secure the vehicle.

5.2.2 Battery Safety Requirements

Teams are required to understand and follow battery safety best practices on the battery chemistry selected by the team. Lithium-ion chemistry batteries may become damaged and create a hazard if misused/abused, representing the greatest risk to people, facilities, and the environment. The following safety rules and requirements must be followed:

1. Teams must submit battery specifications, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and proper disposal procedures, sourced from the battery manufacturer for all batteries.

2. Teams must keep a hard copy of the battery safety documentation for all batteries in Team Village (on-site) at all times, for reference.

3. Teams must bring a LiPo safe bag(s) adequate for the lithium batteries used. LiPo bag(s) must be available at the competition and the hotel.

4. Li-Po (Lithium Polymer) battery packs need cell level safety and balancing circuits and must be labeled HAZMAT when shipped.

5. Each team must understand and follow their own country’s regulations as well as those of the host nation.

6. All batteries must be stored, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.

7. Teams are required to inspect their batteries daily for signs of swelling, heat, leaking, venting, burning or any other irregularities.

   1. Lithium batteries that become too warm during use or have become swollen or malformed must be removed from use and reported to the Technical Director.

   2. Lithium batteries that do not hold a charge must be removed from use and reported to the Technical Director.

8. A team member must be present at all times to monitor charging batteries.

9. At the competition site, if any of the above battery conditions are observed students must immediately notify the Technical Director or RoboSub staff and provide the battery specifications and safety information.

10. At the hotel, if a battery irregularity occurs at any time, students must notify RoboNation’s Senior Events Manager, Cheri Koch immediately by phone at 850.642.0536 and provide the battery specifications and safety information.

11. Failed or failing Lithium-ion batteries must be handled in accordance with manufacturer’s safety and disposal guidelines. In the absence of specific guidelines, batteries must be placed in a LiPo safe bag, which must then be placed in a bucket, covered with sand, and placed in a designated safety zone.

12. Teams are only permitted to change or replace AUV batteries in their designated areas in Team Village.