Occupational Health and Safety Authority issued a safety and health bulletin cited by Safety and Health on February 13, 2019. This warned workers and employers of the “potential fire and explosion hazards stemming from lithium batteries.” This included those used to power small or wearable electronic devices. When OHSA issues a report like that there must be substance to it.
OHSA Issues Worrisome Lithium-Powered Statistics.
Between January 2012 and July 2017 there were over 25,000 overheating or fire incidents according to Safety and Health Magazine. Moreover, these involved “more than 400 types of lithium battery-powered products”.
“Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to malfunction. But only so long as there are no defects and the batteries do not show any damage,” OSHA said. “When lithium batteries however fail to operate safely, they may present a fire or explosion hazard.” Failure to follow makers’ instructions, extreme temperatures, and physical trauma can all create these situations.
OHSA Recommendations for Prevention and Training
The recommendations OHSA issues fairly frequently include checking that lithium batteries were properly tested. This task falls in the remit of the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory that also rates them for specific use.
It’s equally important to only store, use, charge, and maintain batteries per makers’ instructions. Moreover, replacement batteries and chargers must be “designed and approved for use with specific devices”. It’s essential to inspect lithium batteries before use every time. The warning signs are “bulging, cracking, hissing, leaking and smoking”.
Wearable batteries need special attention, because a malfunction can burn the user’s skin. Remember to remove lithium batteries from their charger when full. And store lithium batteries in fire-proof containers if in large quantities. When OHSA issues advice like that, it is a clear sign to adhere to lithium battery safety rules.
Related
Fire Code: Adaptions for Used Batteries
Keep Your Fuel Out of Someone Else’s Fire
Preview Image: Worn-Out Lithium Battery – Recycle
