Take Heed: Area Fire Department Issues Safety Advice on Lithium Ion Batteries

SAN RAMON, CA – The following safety advice on lithium ion batteries was issued this week by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District:

Lithium ion batteries supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, scooters, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys and even cars. Take care when using them. In rare cases, they can cause a fire or explosion.

The problem

• These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.
• Sometimes batteries are not used the right way; batteries not designed for a specific use can be dangerous.
• Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective. They can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

Safety Tips

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
• Keep batteries at room temperature.
• Do not place batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles.
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Signs of a Problem

Stop using the battery if you notice the problems.
— odor
— change in color
— too much heat
— change in shape
— leaking
— odd noises
If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.

Battery Disposal
— Do not put lithium ion batteries in the trash.
— Recycling is always the best option.
— Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
— Do not put discarded batteries in piles.
— Lithium ion batteries should be placed in a sealed metal container.

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--Images and information courtesy of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District