What is the recommended procedure if a MK-134 thermal battery is activated but not installed in a mine?

In the case of an activated MK-134 thermal battery that is not installed in a mine, the recommended procedure emphasizes the importance of safety and preventing potential hazards. Setting the battery on a non-flammable surface until it cools down allows for a controlled environment where the battery can stabilize without posing a risk of ignition or fire.

This procedure minimizes the chance of an accident since an activated thermal battery can reach high temperatures. By placing it on a non-flammable surface, any heat generated as the battery cools off will not ignite surrounding materials, helping to ensure both the safety of personnel and the integrity of the facility.

The other options, while seemingly focused on safety, do not address the immediate need for a steady, controlled cooling process. For example, placing the battery in water can cause thermal shock or an explosive reaction due to the sudden temperature change. Waiting for the battery to warm up does not constitute an appropriate response since the battery is already activated and poses a risk. Finally, disposal in a hazardous waste facility is not applicable in this immediate scenario; it would be a last resort rather than a step to handle an activated battery safely on-site.