May is National Electrical Safety Month! This annual campaign is sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to provide education and awareness about the steps that can be taken to avoid electrical-related fires, injuries, and fatalities. A key focus for this year’s event is lithium-ion batteries and how to purchase, use, and recycle them safely.
To quote ESFI, “Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere!” They can be found in most rechargeable devices including cell phones, tablets, and laptops, as well as in electric cars, scooters, and bikes. When obtained and used correctly, lithium-ion batteries are generally considered safe. However, if they are defective, damaged, used incorrectly, or disposed of improperly they can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
To reduce these risks, ESFI recommends the following when purchasing and disposing of lithium-ion batteries:
- Purchase batteries and rechargeable devices that are certified/listed by a nationally recognized testing lab, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and labeled accordingly. In addition, only purchase from reputable retailers that stand by their products.
- Do not dispose of lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or with general recycling as this could lead to a fire. Rather, they should be taken to a dedicated drop-off site for battery recycling. To locate a battery disposal center, visit call2recycle.org, or contact your local city or town. In the workplace, lithium-ion batteries must also be collected separately for recycling.
In addition to these recommendations, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises that to help prevent fires, the safe practices listed below need to be followed when charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use charging equipment that is compatible with the device. To be safe, only use the charging equipment that is supplied with it.
- Charge electronics on a hard, stable surface—never on a pillow, bed, or sofa.
- Once the device or battery is fully charged, do not continue to charge it.
- Keep batteries and the equipment they power at room temperature whenever possible. Don’t leave them in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or in freezing temperatures. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
- Store scooters and e-bikes outdoors if possible. If you must store them indoors, keep them away from doors, windows, and stairways to allow for quick evacuation in the event of a fire.
- Stop using the device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color. If you can do so safely, move it away from anything that can burn, and call your local fire department.
Lithium-ion batteries were first put into commercial use in 1991, so they have only been around for a relatively short time. Because of this, there is still a lot to learn about their safe use. Both ESFI and the NFPA encourage everyone to better understand how lithium-ion battery fires start, so the necessary steps can be taken to ensure the safe use of personal electronics and other devices powered by these batteries.
If you need help establishing or managing your workplace battery recycling or other hazardous waste program, we can help, contact us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training.
