Lithium-ion is the most popular rechargeable battery used today. Many people don’t realize their favorite tech gadgets are powered by lithium-ion batteries that can become unstable if damaged, improperly used, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. This instability can lead to overheating, sparking, and even explosions.
What Items Contain a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Lithium-ion battery-powered devices can be found in the home and workplace in many common products, such as cell phones, laptops, gaming devices, electric power tools & ride-on toys, wheelchairs, lawnmowers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles.
How do they pose fire hazard?
Despite their many advantages, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. This most commonly occurs when the batteries are damaged, suffer electro-chemical abuse (e.g., from overcharging or completely draining the battery), are in high- or low-temperature environments, or have an internal short-circuit. The heat from an internal short circuit can cause chemical reactions that can lead to fire.
How can you dispose of a lithium-ion battery properly?
From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than one minute to escape a battery fire. With the speed of these fires, the best way to be safe is to prevent a fire from starting. Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to a designated battery recycling center. Remember these will not be treated the same as end of life, old batteries. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins. Fore more information on where to recycle batteries, please visit https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/.
Take “C.H.A.R.G.E.” of your Fire Safety!
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Choose Certified Products: Prioritize your safety by selecting lithium-ion battery-powered devices that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements.
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Handle Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Devices with Care: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use the provided charger for lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Avoid modifying batteries or chargers, and charge your devices in safe environments away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and flammable materials. For larger devices, such as e-bikes, charge in a location that does not block your exit path, is separate from sleeping areas, and is ideally outside your home. Refrain from overnight charging of large devices.
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Always Stay Alert for Warning Signs: Regularly inspect devices for any signs of damage, such as swelling or punctures. Be aware of unusual sounds like hissing or popping. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. White or gray wispy smoke indicates there is immediate danger of fire. This can be toxic and/or flammable gas. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion battery-powered device immediately.
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Recycle Devices and Batteries Properly: Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to a designated battery recycling center. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.
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Get Out Quickly if There’s a Fire: Know the warning signs to look and listen for a fire, and get out if you see or hear a fire. Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately, closing doors behind you as you exit and call 9-1-1.
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Educate Others on Safe Practices: Help protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety.
For more information, visit https://batteryfiresafety.org/
SOURCE: Fire Safety Research Institute| UL Research Institutes