Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks: Safety Tips for Businesses
Lithium-ion batteries have become a normal part of the workplace. They power laptops, phones, cordless tools, mobile equipment, cameras, and many other rechargeable devices.
However, these batteries can also create a serious workplace fire risk. Damage, improper charging, excessive heat, or incorrect storage can cause a lithium-ion battery to overheat or fail.
Therefore, understanding lithium-ion battery fire safety is important for businesses. Proper charging, storage, employee training, and fire detection should all be part of a workplace fire prevention plan.
What Causes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?
Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a relatively small space. As a result, problems with a battery can create dangerous conditions.
One potential danger is thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction in which heat from a failing battery cell can damage nearby cells and cause additional heating.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thermal runaway can be caused by several factors. For example, manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, excessive temperatures, and improper charging can contribute to battery failure.
Signs of a problem can include rising battery temperature, smoke, gases, or vapor coming from the battery.
Businesses can review OSHA’s Lithium-Ion Battery Safety guidance for more information about workplace hazards and precautions.
Identify Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Workplace
First, identify where lithium-ion batteries are being used or stored throughout your facility.
Depending on your business, you may find them in:
- Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones
- Cordless power tools
- Portable scanners and handheld equipment
- Security and communication equipment
- Cleaning and maintenance equipment
- E-bikes and electric scooters
- Replacement battery packs
- Other rechargeable workplace devices
Some facilities may have only a few battery-powered devices. In contrast, warehouses, repair facilities, construction businesses, retailers, and industrial operations may have many more.
Therefore, knowing where batteries are located is an important first step. It can help your business identify areas that may need additional fire safety precautions.
Know the Warning Signs of a Damaged Battery
Next, employees should know how to recognize a lithium-ion battery that may be failing.
Warning signs can include unusual heat, swelling, cracking, leaking, strange odors, hissing noises, smoke, or other noticeable changes.
If employees notice these signs, they should not simply plug the battery back into a charger or return it to normal use.
OSHA recommends training workers who handle lithium-powered equipment to recognize defective or failing batteries and remove them from workplace use.
In addition, businesses should establish procedures for reporting damaged batteries. Employees should know who to contact and what to do when they notice a potential problem.
Create Safer Battery Charging Areas
Where and how lithium-ion batteries are charged can also make a difference.
First, follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and use compatible batteries and charging equipment. Damaged chargers, cords, or batteries should be removed from service.
In addition, charging areas should be organized and kept away from unnecessary combustible materials.
Businesses should also avoid setting up charging stations where equipment could block exits, hallways, stairways, or other paths employees may need during an emergency.
For businesses with many rechargeable devices, designated charging locations may be helpful. As a result, employees have a consistent place to charge equipment instead of using any available outlet.
Store Lithium-Ion Batteries Carefully
In addition to safer charging, businesses should consider how and where spare lithium-ion batteries are stored.
OSHA’s workplace guidance recommends storing lithium-ion batteries in cool, dry locations.
Also, keep batteries away from excessive heat and conditions that could cause physical damage. Storage areas should remain orderly, so batteries are not accidentally crushed, punctured, or exposed to other hazards.
However, businesses that handle large quantities of batteries may face different risks. The same applies to businesses handling damaged batteries or batteries intended for recycling.
Therefore, additional requirements and precautions may apply depending on the facility and its operations.
Have a Plan for Lithium-Ion Battery Emergencies
Even with good safety practices, businesses should be prepared for an emergency.
Employees should know what to do if a battery begins smoking, overheating, venting gases, or catches fire.
For this reason, your workplace emergency plan should provide clear instructions. It should explain how employees report a fire, when evacuation is necessary, where employees should go, and who is responsible for contacting emergency services.
OSHA recommends that workplace emergency planning involving lithium-powered devices include procedures for battery-related incidents based on manufacturer instructions.
Most importantly, employees should never put themselves in danger trying to save equipment or property.
Make Commercial Fire Detection Part of the Plan
Prevention is important. However, businesses also need reliable ways to detect and respond to a fire.
A properly designed commercial fire alarm system can provide early warning. As a result, employees and visitors have more time to respond and evacuate.
In addition, professional fire alarm monitoring can provide another layer of protection. This can be especially important during nights, weekends, or other times when a building may be unoccupied.
Cultris Security Systems provides commercial fire alarm systems that are designed to help protect businesses and their facilities. These systems can include smoke and heat detection, notification equipment, and professional monitoring. Solutions can also be designed around the specific needs and applicable requirements of the facility. To learn more, visit our site.
Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries Properly
Finally, businesses should have procedures for disposing of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries should not simply be thrown into ordinary trash.
Instead, businesses should establish a process for collecting and disposing of batteries through appropriate recycling or waste channels. OSHA’s workplace guidance recommends using designated recycling facilities for battery disposal.
In addition, employees should know where used batteries belong and who is responsible for managing them.
Facilities that routinely handle damaged batteries or large quantities of batteries may have additional requirements. For example, safety, transportation, environmental, or workplace rules may apply. Therefore, businesses should determine which requirements apply to their specific operations.
Reduce Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks at Your Business
Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday business operations. As workplaces rely on more rechargeable technology, proper battery safety becomes increasingly important.
First, identify where lithium-ion batteries are used in your facility. Next, train employees to recognize warning signs. In addition, create safer charging and storage practices. Finally, include battery-related incidents in your emergency planning.
Reliable fire detection should also be part of your workplace fire safety strategy. Cultris Security Systems can help businesses evaluate commercial fire alarm and monitoring solutions designed around their facilities and operations. Call 281-506-8466 or reach us online at www.cultrissecurity.com to learn more about strengthening your business’s fire protection.
