Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Theme Of National Fire Prevention Week This Year

Fire officials say they can be a ‘significant source’ for fire.Frederick, Md (KM) They’re used to power smart phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, headphones, e-bikes and even toys. But we must be safe when handling lithium-ion batteries. “We’ve had a few incidents in the past. But as more and more items are powered by lithium-ion batteries, there’s more potential for issues to occur, especially when using after-market and non-main brand lithium-ion batteries,” says Captain David Lal with Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services.He says these batteries have all the components to provide a “significant source” for fire. “And any insult to the battery–so damage, dropping it or submerging it in water–can really cause damage to the internal components which then a self-sustaining reaction, it takes off and keeps up and catches on fire all by itself.” says Captain Lal.But there are several ways to be safe when handling devices with lithium-ion batteries. Lal says use only batteries and chargers recommended by the manufacturer of the smartphone or other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. “Never charge devices on a soft surface where air can’t flow freely around the device as in don’t put it under your pillow or on your bed.  Keep it on a flat, hard surface so that item can cool off as the battery heats up when it charges,” he saysAnd don’t over charge the devices, Captain Lal says. Unplug the device or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.When it’s  time to discard the lithium-ion battery, Captain Lal says don’t toss it  in the trash or the recycling bin where it  can catch fire. “Make sure when you dispose of the batteries, they should always be taped at the terminal ends.  And then there’s plenty of places to recycle batteries if you visit www.Call2Recycle.org,” he says.You can also contact the Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling for information on how to dispose of these batteries.October 5-11 is National Fire  Prevention Week. This year’s emphasis is on being safe using  lithium-ion batteries with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”By Kevin McManus