October is National Fire Prevention Month, and October 5-11 is National Fire Prevention week, sponsored by the NFPA.
The theme this year? “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
In honor of the week, we’re exploring these batteries in this blog - what they are, where they’re used, and how to use and recycle them safely.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
While you may not realize it, more likely than not you have multiple lithium-ion batteries in your home and workplace. These batteries are rechargeable, and they are common in cell phones, computers, electric vehicles and more. They are unique in that they can store a large amount of power in a small amount of space.
While very useful when it comes to powering these devices, they can pose a unique fire hazard because of how they operate. If used incorrectly, these devices can easily overheat, catch fire or even explode, causing damage to property and injuries to those in the vicinity.
Buy, charge and recycle - safely
For Fire Prevention Week this year, the NFPA is spreading awareness about the hazards of these batteries, and also how to use them safely.
First of all, when buying electronics that use this type of battery, ensure that it has a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means the item meets important safety standards set by regulatory agencies. Additionally, only use batteries that are designated to go with a specific device - don’t try and swap them out for a different type.
Second, be sure that you are charging and storing the devices properly. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Always use the charging cords that came with the product.
- Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved, not unvetted third-party sellers.
- Charge your device on a hard surface, rather than on a couch or bed.
- Don’t overcharge your device; unplug it or remove the battery once it’s fully charged.
Finally, when it’s time to dispose of a device or get a new battery, make sure to recycle the old batteries correctly. If thrown into a regular trash or recycling bin, they could catch fire. Instead, make sure to recycle them at an appropriate location; you can visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you that accepts these batteries.
Signs of an issue
It’s important to be aware of an issue with a lithium-ion battery before it starts a fire.
Warning signs can include:
- Odor
- Change in color
- Getting hotter than you would expect
- Changes in shape
- Leaking of any kind
- Odd noises from the device
If you notice any of these issues, you should stop using the battery immediately and have it inspected or replaced, and then recycled properly.
More fire prevention tips
Ready for even more fire prevention tips? Be sure to check out our other blogs, covering industry-specific fire and life safety topics, as well as tips that everyone can use, at home and in the workplace. Read more at https://www.certasitepro.com/news.
