Lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. While generally safe, the increasing prevalence of these power sources has led to a rise in lithium-ion battery fires.
New York City and San Francisco fire departments have reported handling more than 660 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in the last five years.
As lithium-ion batteries become more widespread, it's crucial for businesses and employees to understand the associated safety hazards, proper handling procedures, and fire prevention techniques.
Let's explore how lithium-ion battery fires start, the correct fire extinguisher to use, and essential lithium-ion battery safety tips to prevent workplace fires and injuries.
Why Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Catch Fire?
Lithium-ion battery fires typically occur due to two main reasons:
- Manufacturing Defects: These are usually discovered and addressed through product recalls. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone was permanently withdrawn from the market due to repeated battery flaws.
- Stress Events: These can be caused by vibration, electrical shorts, or other unpredictable factors. As Battery University explains, "A mild short will only cause elevated self-discharge and minimal heat buildup. However, if enough microscopic metallic particles converge on one spot, a sizable current can flow between the cell's electrodes, causing localized heating. This can damage the insulation layer, leading to an electrical short. The temperature can quickly reach 500°C (932°F), at which point the cell catches fire or explodes."
Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Lithium-ion battery fires are particularly dangerous due to several factors:
- Thermal Runaway: This chain reaction occurs when the battery's internal components break down, releasing energy and causing excessive heat.
- Flammable and Toxic Gasses: During a fire, lithium-ion batteries can release highly reactive and toxic gasses.
- Reignition: Even after being extinguished, lithium-ion battery fires can reignite due to residual heat in the internal battery components.
Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Various Devices
Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Laptops and other electronic devices
- Power tools
- E-bikes and e-scooters
- Electric vehicles
Each of these devices require specific safety considerations. For example, avoid leaving laptops on soft surfaces that may block ventilation and lead to overheating. When using power tools, ensure batteries are not exposed to excessive heat or moisture. For e-bikes and e-scooters, use only manufacturer-approved chargers and avoid charging in enclosed spaces.
How to Extinguish a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
Despite their name, consumer-grade lithium-ion batteries don't contain metallic lithium. Therefore, a Class D fire extinguisher, designed for combustible metal fires, is not appropriate for lithium-ion battery fires.
Lithium-ion battery fires are classified as Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids. The batteries contain liquid electrolytes that provide a conductive pathway, hence the Class B classification. To extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire, use a standard ABC or dry chemical fire extinguisher.
Clean Agent Systems for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Clean agent fire suppression systems are particularly well-suited for addressing lithium-ion battery fires. These systems use inert gasses or synthetic agents that don't leave residue, making them ideal for protecting sensitive electronics and valuable assets.
Key advantages of clean agent systems for lithium-ion battery fires include:
- Rapid suppression: Clean agents can reach required concentration levels in just ten seconds
- Non-conductive: Safe for use around electrical equipment
- No residue: Minimizes damage to surrounding equipment and assets
- Environmentally friendly: Many clean agents have low global warming potential
When implementing clean agent systems for lithium-ion battery fire protection, it's essential to adhere to relevant standards and regulations, like NFPA and government bodies, including:
- NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
- NFPA 12: Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
- EPA Regulations: For clean agents and their environmental impact
- Industry-Specific Regulations: For data centers or manufacturing facilities
Compliance ensures not only the effectiveness of the system but also its safety and environmental responsibility.
The Role of the Fire Department
In case of a large-scale lithium-ion battery fire, it's crucial to involve the fire department immediately. Fire departments are increasingly training to handle these specific types of fires, which require different tactics than traditional fires.
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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips for Employees
To prevent workplace fires and injuries related to lithium-ion batteries, consider implementing these safety measures:
- Follow local, state, and federal regulations for proper battery disposal.
- Adhere to manufacturer guidelines when handling small battery fires.
- Use only batteries and charging cords designed for specific devices.
- Store batteries in their original packaging at room temperature.
- Avoid exposing batteries to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Store batteries in dry, well-ventilated areas.
- Use fire-resistant containers for storing devices and batteries.
- Remove batteries from chargers once fully charged.
- Avoid charging devices under pillows or on upholstered furniture.
- Purchase devices listed by qualified testing laboratories.
- Use only manufacturer-approved or authorized replacement batteries and chargers.
- Stack battery-containing boxes uniformly to prevent tipping.
- Inspect batteries for damage before use and discard defective ones safely.
- Immediately remove devices if batteries feel hot or show signs of damage.
Proper Storage and Handling of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Proper storage is key to preventing lithium-ion battery fires:
- Keep batteries away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid storing batteries with other types of batteries or metal objects.
- Use plastic cases or the original packaging for storage.
- For long-term storage, maintain batteries at about 40% charge.
Recycling and Disposal
Proper recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries are essential for safety and environmental reasons. Many electronics stores and local recycling centers accept used lithium-ion batteries. Never dispose of these batteries in regular trash, as they can cause fires in waste processing facilities.
By understanding the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and implementing these safety measures, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of battery-related fires and
Prevent Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and Keep Your Workplace Safe
As the rate of lithium-ion battery fires continues to increase, companies need to understand how to prevent and extinguish these fires to keep their workplace safe and operational.
While having safety procedures put in place is important, businesses should partner with an experienced fire protection company to ensure they have the right type of fire extinguisher that can quickly extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire if and when it occurs.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on August 11, 2017, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
