Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode.
Currently, there is no method to extinguish these types of fires quickly. The fire must burn itself out, or the fire department has to spend several hours cooling them with copious amount of water. The larger the battery, the longer the fire will burn. This goes for any type of lithium ion battery from a cordless drill to an E bike.
The problem
- These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.
- Sometimes batteries are not used the right way; batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous.
- Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
Safety Tips
- Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
- Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
- Put batteries in the device the right way.
- Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
- Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
- Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
- Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
- Charging stations should not be installed under or in any type of building or structure, especially bear areas of ingress or egress.
- Charging stations should be located outside and away from the structure if possible.
Battery Disposal
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in
the trash. - Recycling is always the best option.
- Do not put discarded batteries in piles.
- Visit call2recycle.org, njhazwaste.com or use the Recycle Coach app to learn more about safely managing your household batteries.
- NJ BATTERY DISPOSAL GUIDELINES
Teaneck Fire Headquarters
1231 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 808-8080
