As batteries become more common, it is important to be aware of their potential dangers, such as combustion and explosion. Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable liquids and fire can spread quickly. This guide provides advice on safe handling and actions to take in the event of a fire ignited by the batteries. Identify the battery by its markings and UN numbers.
Batteries are becoming more common
Today, almost all batteries in consumer electronics, power tools and electric bicycles are lithium-ion batteries. Batteries are also becoming more common in boats and other means of transport. Batteries can be removable from the device or an integral part of the device.
You can identify a lithium-ion battery on its packaging by the UN numbers UN3480 or UN3481, or by the labels on the battery, such as “Lithium”, “Li-Ion” or “Li”. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) and LiPo (lithium polymer batteries) are also lithium ion batteries.
Many people think that the dangers of rechargeable batteries are small. However, your workplace handles very large quantities of batteries whose history is unknown, so the potential for a battery fire is greater than at home, for example.
Fire risk
All batteries and accumulators can, in principle, start a fire. Lithium-ion batteries are high in energy and are themselves flammable. A fire in a lithium-ion battery can ignite combustible materials around it and eventually the whole building. Even if no flames are visible, the smoke from the fire is toxic. Pieces of the battery can also fly off.
New lithium-ion batteries are less likely to be dangerous. However, banging batteries badly and careless handling of old batteries is particularly dangerous.
