How to Protect Against Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: 8 Essential Strategies1. Store Batteries at the Correct Temperature. Implement Regular Maintenance and Inspections.
How can you prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions?
Preventing lithium-ion battery fires and explosions requires a combination of vigilant maintenance, proper storage and charging practices, and staff education. By adhering to these safety measures, both individuals and businesses can significantly reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Mobile phones, e-cigarettes, laptops, hoverboards and many other electronic devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are normally very safe, but if used improperly then there is a small risk of fire or explosion. Read this article to learn how to handle lithium-ion batteries safely.
How to store lithium ion batteries safely?
Improper storage can heighten the risk of fire. Here's how to store lithium-ion batteries safely: Cool, dry environment: Avoid heat and humidity. High temperatures accelerate the degradation of battery cells. Distance between batteries: Store batteries at least two feet apart to prevent a fire from spreading if one battery malfunctions.
Can a lithium-ion battery fire be extinguished?
In all circumstances, only suitably trained personnel/emergency-responders should attempt to extinguish early-stage lithium-ion battery fires, when it is safe to do so. As lithium-ion battery fires create their own oxygen during thermal runaway, they are very difficult for fire and rescue services to deal with.
What causes a lithium ion battery to explode?
The core of the problem lies in the volatile chemistry of lithium-ion batteries. When the internal components, such as the separator or electrodes, are damaged or malfunction, it can trigger a thermal runaway —a rapid and uncontrollable increase in temperature that often results in fire or explosion.
How do you manage a lithium-ion battery hazard?
Specific risk control measures should be determined through site, task and activity risk assessments, with the handling of and work on batteries clearly changing the risk profile. Considerations include: Segregation of charging and any areas where work on or handling of lithium-ion batteries is undertaken.