Take charge of your safety: prevent lithium-ion battery fires

You may not always see them, but lithium-ion batteries power our lives every single day. They can be found in rechargeable devices like cell phones, laptops, power tools, vacuums, e-bikes, e-scooters, wheelchairs, hoverboards, lawnmowers and electric vehicles (EV). As the weather warms up, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires can also increase. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) is encouraging residents to learn more about how to prevent lithium-ion battery fires and what to do in an emergency.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used today because of their ability to store a large amount of energy in a relatively small space. Think of a lithium-ion battery as a tiny container holding energy, like a balloon filled with air. However, if something goes wrong and all that energy is released suddenly and rapidly, it can be compared to a balloon popping. This can cause the inside of the battery to rapidly heat up, leading to a fire that can be difficult to extinguish. When a battery undergoes a “thermal runaway,” it behaves like a snowball effect, where the temperature keeps rising, and the risk of catching fire, increases. In addition, there are significant risks to the user from toxic smoke and gases released during a fire, which is why firefighters need to be present at the scene of a lithium-ion battery fire.

Use the C.H.A.R.G.E. acronym, to stay safe:

C – Choose certified products

You can feel comfortable knowing that most products made with lithium-ion batteries are trusted, safe and reliable. However, most lithium-ion battery fires are caused by products that come with poorly made batteries, aftermarket and heavily discounted products, damaged batteries or incompatible chargers.

When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered products, purchase them from reputable manufacturers and stores and be sure to purchase products that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as CSA, UL or ETL.

H – Handle with care

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the charging equipment that came with the product.
• Store batteries away from extreme heat or cold, or anything that can catch fire.
• Never charge devices while you are sleeping or on soft surfaces such as couch or bed.
• Never block an exit when charging the battery.
• Stop charging the battery when it is fully charged, this applies to micro-mobility devices too.
• If you own an EV make sure you read your manufacturer’s instructions for best charging practices as some recommend leaving them plugged in even when the are “full”.

A – Always be alert for warning signs

• Handle and charge batteries with care.
• Check batteries regularly for damage, swelling, hissing, or popping noises, strange odours, excessive heat or smoke.
• Electric vehicles batteries are located underneath the vehicle. Compared to standard internal combustion engines (gas vehicles) you would see the early signs of fire from under the vehicle rather than the engine compartment. Whether gas, electric or hybrid – know how to use your vehicle safely.
• As you would turn off the engine of a gas vehicle to refuel, make sure your electric vehicle is off when charging.
• If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the device immediately, get to safety and call 911.

R – Recycle batteries responsibly

• Dispose of old or damaged batteries at the nearest Hazardous Community Recycling Centre (CRC).
• Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash.
• For EV battery recycling, some vehicle manufactures reuse and/or recycle the batteries at the end of the vehicle’s lifespan. Batteries can be returned to dealerships/automakers who have partnerships with battery recycling centres when they reach end-of-life.

G – Get out quickly

• Know the warning signs to look and listen for.
• Follow your home escape plan, leave the area immediately and call 911.

E – Educate others about battery safety

Lithium-ion battery products are used by all ages including children, teenagers, and seniors, so its important to be smart about your usage and take charge of safety. Fires occurring because of lithium-ion batteries require a significant amount of water to extinguish and can continue to produce heat and toxic gases even when completely submerged in water. These submerged batteries can even start to flame again after being removed from the water! Avoid trying to extinguish a fire from a lithium-ion battery and call 911 immediately when you need assistance.

Interested in learning more? Follow MFES’ safety tips and recommendations.

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• Fire and Emergency Services