Lithium Battery Information
Lithium batteries are widely used in commercial products and laboratory settings. Many of the components associated with lithium-based batteries are either inherently flammable or capable of reacting with air or water to generate heat and/or evolve flammable gases, presenting a notably higher fire risk than historical battery systems.
Lithium Battery Types
Lithium Ion (Li-ion), including Lithium polymer (Li-Po)
- Generally rechargeable batteries
- Found in a wide range of electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, cell-phones, e-Mobility Devices (Scooters, Bikes, etc), drones, etc
Lithium Metal (LiM)
- Generally non-rechargeable
- Have a longer life than standard alkaline batteries
- Commonly used in hearing aids, watches, smoke detectors, key fobs, etc.
Lithium Batteries sold in the US are required to have passed the design tests found in the United Nations (UN) Manual of Tests and Criteria, Section 38.3. This testing assesses several attributes that can be significant for safe operation and transportation of the batteries:
- Altitude simulation
- Thermal test
- Vibration test
- Shock test
- External short circuit
- Impact/crush
- Overcharge
- Force discharge
Manufacturers are required to provide this information on a test summary. (See below for example test summary.) Do not purchase or use a battery if the manufacturer cannot provide this test summary!
Lithium Battery Hazards
Notable Differences to Conventional Batteries
Conventional Batteries
Two hazards are predominantly associated with conventional battery systems (such as lead-acid, alkaline, NiCd/NiMH, etc):
Toxicity: Many of the historical battery systems utilized the red/ox properties of heavy metals that present a health hazard during use as well as disposal. Some of the electrolytes could also lead to the release of toxic gas if heated or degraded.
Corrosivity: The electrolytic solutions used in many historical battery systems could be fairly destructive to tissues as well as metallic electrical components.
In the event of an electrical short, these conventional battery systems could present a fire hazard.
Lithium-Based Batteries
The replacement of the heavy metals of earlier battery systems with lithium compounds significantly reduced toxicity. Many of the electrolytic solutions may still be corrosive to tissues, but are often less so compared to other metals.
Many of the components associated with lithium-based batteries are either inherently flammable or capable of reacting with air or water to generate heat and/or evolve flammable gases, presenting a notably higher fire risk than historical battery systems.
Sealed battery cells - to protect the reactive components for air and water, lithium-based batteries typically need to be sealed. If cell is breached, it will often trigger a fire. Many common components will release gas as the battery fails which can lead to pressure building inside the sealed cell until bursting.
Thermal runaway - the exothermic (heat-generating) reaction of the chemical reaction can quickly push an overheated battery to an uncontrollable/self-accelerating failure of the battery resulting in a fire.
Lithium Battery Failure
Common signs of lithium battery failure
- Cell/Battery Swelling: typically indicative that battery components have begun to degrade causing outgassing. For enclosed batteries, look for signs that the device may be separating.
- Unusual/excessive heating: Lithium batteries will typically generate some heat when charging/discharging, but elevated temperature when at rest or excessive temperature (>45◦C/113◦F) during use can be signs of battery failure.
- Discoloration on battery exterior, signs of casing damage (melting)
- Noise: hissing or cracking sounds
- Odor/Smoke: strong or unusual odor coming from the battery, emission of smoke likely indicate that fire may have already started
What to do if my Lithium Battery is Failing
- Immediately turn off device/unplug from power source ie. if a laptop, disconnect adaptor
- Move the device to a safe, isolated area away from flammable and combustible materials and surfaces
- In a laboratory, move the battery device to a cleared fume hood
- In non-laboratory setting, moving from flammable surfaces (like carpet) to a less-flammable surface (tile, stone, or metal surfaces) can minimize damage if fire occurs.
- Monitor the device:
- If conditions worsen or fire occurs, contact Public Safety (112 or 101).
- If battery appears to be stable (no new signs of failure, no heating), contact EHS for additional guidance (8-5294)
What to do if my lithium battery catches fire?
- Move yourself to a safe location and immediately call 112 or 101
- Do not try to put the fire out yourself.
- Lithium battery fires can spread quickly and aggressively, and could become explosive.
- Common fire extinguishants may not be sufficient to prevent a battery from burning and fires may suddenly re-ignite.
- Addition of water can accelerate the reaction of some lithium battery components and can present a significant electrocution risk for larger, multi-cell batteries.
- The safest decision you can make is to move yourself to a safe location and immediately call 112 or 101
PPE when handling novel or potentially damaged/ malfunctioning lithium-based cells and batteries
- Eye protection
- Body Protection - Fire Resistant Coat (such as NomexIIIA, FR-Cotton, FR/CP)
- Hand Protection - Providing chemical resistance and protection from fire (Recommended: FR glove line with chemical resistant outer glove)
When Buying
- Purchase products from reputable manufacturers and vendors. Well-engineered and well-tested products are consistently the safer products.
When Using
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to charge, store, and use a lithium battery powered device. Do not disassemble or modify the device’s battery, battery compartment, or electrical system as this may increase risk of a battery failure.
- Inspect battery regularly for signs of damage or indications of lithium battery failure.
When Charging
- Only use the charger that was provided with the device. If you need to buy a replacement charge, make sure the charger is approved by the device manufacturer. Just because a charger fits doesn’t mean it is safe to use!
- Do not leave lithium powered devices unattended while charging.
- Plug charger directly into a wall electrical outlet rather than connecting through an extension cord or power strip.
- Pick a safe place to charge your device. Charge on a flat, dry area away from direct sunlight, liquids, or combustible/flammable materials
- Charge (and store) batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge at temperatures below 32◦F (0◦C) or above 105◦F unless approved by the manufacturer.
