This document specifies requirements and tests for the safe operation of secondary lithium cells and batteries used in industrial applications, including stationary applications.

When there exists an IEC International Standard specifying test conditions and requirements for cells used in special applications and which is in conflict with this document, the former takes precedence (e.g., IEC 62660 series on road vehicles).

The following are some examples of applications that utilize cells and batteries under the scope of this document:
- Stationary applications: telecom, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), electrical energy storage system, utility switching, emergency power, and similar applications.
- Motive applications: forklift truck, golf cart, automated guided vehicle (AGV), railway vehicles, and marine vehicles, with the exception of road vehicles.

Since this document covers batteries for various industrial applications, it includes those requirements which are common and minimum to the various applications.

Electrical safety is included only as a part of the risk analysis of Clause 8. In regard to details for addressing electrical safety, the end use application standard requirements need to be considered.

This document applies to cells and batteries. If the battery is divided into smaller units, the smaller unit can be tested as the representative of the battery. The manufacturer clearly declares the tested unit. The manufacturer can add functions, which are present in the final battery to the tested unit.

This document addresses first life cells and batteries. Reuse, repurpose, second life use or similar are not taken into consideration by this document.