Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries often used in forklifts, golf carts, and small electronics like cell phones and laptops. Hazards of these batteries include fire, toxic gases/fumes, and explosions. Awareness of these risks and causes associated with handling, storing, and charging lithium-ion batteries can reduce the likelihood of fires and explosions.
Causes of lithium-ion battery failure
Lithium-ion batteries require special care to avoid damage. Never open or tamper with battery packaging, as doing so can expose the battery to air and moisture — potentially causing a short circuit or even a fire. Battery failure can also result from a variety of other factors, including:
- Thermal abuse: extreme heat source by contact
- Mechanical abuse: dropped, crushed, or pierced
- Electrical abuse: overcharged, charged at a voltage too high for the battery, or charged or discharged too rapidly
- Internal faults: poor design, low quality materials, or deficiency in manufacturing process
- Environmental impact: extreme hot and cold temperatures, damages to wiring, or flooding
How to safely store and charge lithium-ion battery
Batteries should be charged and stored with care as well as undergo regular maintenance and inspection according to OEM instructions.
Charging and storage safety tips
- Charging
- Always use the manufacturer-supplied charger
- Charge in a separate, well-ventilated area with fire separation located on a noncombustible exterior wall
- Avoid overcharging as lithium batteries cannot absorb extra energy
- The easiest way to do this is to unplug the charger once the battery is charged 80-100%
- Use manufacturer’s guidelines and avoid using aftermarket or mismatched charging equipment and batteries
- Choose a charger that is suitable for your particular battery type and capacity of charge
- Charge on a noncombustible surface, such as a steel shelf
- A soft surface will accelerate the speed at which a fire can take hold
- Avoid charging batteries by combustible materials
- A standard ABC or dry chemical extinguisher should be placed nearby
- Storage
- Store the batteries in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and flammable materials
- The storage area should be low humidity, and temperature should be below 86°F (30°C), as higher temperatures can degrade the battery performance and safety
- Battery storage areas must be separate from charging areas
- Store and charge batteries in a storage cabinet, battery box, or on metal shelving designed specifically for lithium-ion battery storage
- These are constructed to reduce hazards such as overheating, spills, and charging on an unsafe surface
- Store low to the ground, but not on the ground, to mitigate damage if it falls
- If possible, store large batteries or large quantities of small batteries in a fire-rated room
- Storage area should be well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight, and clear of ignition sources
Disposal of lithium-ion batteries
Damaged or malfunctioning batteries should be moved to a safe location immediately, and any damaged equipment should be taken out of use until repairs are completed. Do not dispose of batteries in a normal garbage or recycling bin. Lithium-ion batteries should be taken to a dedicated recycling facility; lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in transport and at landfills.
Safety training and best practices
Regular employee training is essential to creating a safe working environment. Make sure to discuss safe handling procedures often with employees, and post proper signage and guidelines throughout the facility. For additional information and safety resources, please contact your SECURA risk management consultant directly.
