Safety Guidelines for Using Lithium-Ion Batteries: Understanding How to Minimize Risk and Maximize Value
Lithium-ion batteries have been linked to numerous fires and explosions nationwide, including 24 in New York City alone. On Valentine's Day, a fire in Brooklyn caused by e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries critically injured a 67-year-old woman and two additional individuals.
In an effort to prevent further accidents, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh wrote a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asking them to create more regulations for the battery-making industry and proposed banning universal battery chargers so that micromobility manufacturers can only use approved batteries.
The CPSC reports that from the start of 2021 until late November 2022, 208 fires or overheating incidents were associated with e-scooters, bikes, or hoverboards, 19 of which resulted in fatalities. One such instance occurred when Kristi Carleton’s son’s hoverboard ignited inside their home in Colorado. Despite extinguishing the flames initially, it continued to smolder until firefighters arrived and removed four or five separate batteries from the device.
The Rechargeable Battery Association encourages consumers to purchase lithium-ion batteries from original manufacturers who design them with redundant safety features and meet consensus safety standards. They are also eager to collaborate with parties interested in lithium-ion battery outreach and education initiatives to improve consumer safety.
In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation released new regulations covering how micromobility manufacturers must design their vehicles and batteries to reduce the risk of fires and explosions. For example, they must use lithium-ion batteries with redundant safety features such as overcharge protection and temperature sensors. Additionally, all battery packs must be labeled clearly with information about capacity, watt-hours per kilogram, and at least two safety warnings regarding charging and storage.
The CPSC also recommends that consumers purchase e-scooters, bikes, or hoverboards directly from the manufacturer or authorized retailer to ensure that the device is equipped with proper safety features. They also advise against putting any device into a microwave or stove oven while charging because this can cause it to overheat and potentially catch fire.
Furthermore, the CPSC provides a number of safety tips for consumers when using lithium-ion batteries: always read the user manual carefully before using the device; never allow children to charge devices; keep devices away from flammable materials; never leave them in direct sunlight; disconnect chargers after charging is complete; and dispose of damaged batteries properly.
Finally, to improve consumer safety awareness about lithium-ion batteries, several organizations, such as Rechargeable Battery Association (RBA), have created outreach initiatives aimed at educating consumers on lithium-ion battery safety best practices. The RBA encourages consumers to purchase lithium-ion batteries from original manufacturers who design them with redundant safety features and meet consensus safety standards to be safe to use in indoor environments such as homes or offices. They also provide resources such as fact sheets and videos explaining how lithium-ion batteries work and how to store them safely.
It is vital for all organizations using lithium-ion batteries to be aware of the potential risks associated with them and take actionable steps toward preventing accidents. To ensure that you are taking appropriate safety measures when handling, storing, or transporting Li-ion batteries, we recommend contacting Critical Risk Solution. We have extensive experience in providing customized solutions tailored to your needs and can provide comprehensive guidance on mitigating risk while still getting the most value from these powerful yet potentially dangerous products. By following our advice and keeping up with new regulations as they come into effect, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your customers from any harm caused by improper use of Li-ion batteries.
