How to use lithium-ion batteries safely

Ever dropped your drill’s battery pack off a ladder or left your power tools charging in the garage overnight? Of course you have – everyone has! But it’s good to remember that there has been a rise in lithium-ion-battery fires. According to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), the number of lithium-ion-battery fires they attended in 2023 increased by around 66 per cent from 2022. 

Daniel O’Dea, Team Leader, Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies, FRNSW, says   there are precautions you should be taking at home and on the job that will keep you safe. “Surprisingly for the number of power tools out there, the number of incidents is actually quite low,” he says. “But we’re always trying to minimise any risk.” 

A lot of products that tradies need to do their jobs use lithium-ion batteries – think power tool batteries, smart home units, power banks, vacuums and generators, just to name a few. You can keep yourself, workmates and family safe by making some simple changes to how you handle, store and charge your tools.  

What is a lithium-ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery. “They’re found in many household products, including portable electronics such as laptops and phones, power tools, cordless vacuum cleaners and larger battery packs such as e-bikes and e-scooters,” Daniel says.   

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries are safe when used and stored correctly but can become dangerous when they’re damaged or when they break down. “They store a large amount of energy in a very small space and when they fail they enter a process known as thermal runaway,” Daniel explains. “The batteries begin to break down rapidly and release a toxic and flammable gas. That’s what’s different about these fires as opposed to something that just catches fire and burns. This gas usually ignites, leading to rapid fire development, jet-like flames, projectiles and, in some cases, explosions.” 

Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?

There are a few reasons these batteries break down, including incorrect charging. Overcharging your battery – by leaving it in the charger all the time – or using incompatible or non-genuine charging equipment can lead to an electrical failure that can result in a fire. 

“The other one is abuse,” Daniel says. “I’m an electrician by trade and how many times have I dropped my battery pack off the ladder? Thankfully, it’s never failed me but these are the sorts of things that can happen. If it’s rolling around in the back of the ute and you get water ingress in the battery pack, that may cause thermal runaway through a short circuit.”

How to safely charge and store lithium-ion batteries

“Always use the original charger   that came with the device or buy a genuine replacement,” Daniel says. “And always use genuine batteries – don’t buy cheap ones just to save a buck. 

Many charging docks have indicators to alert if a battery is defective, if the charger shows this alert, you should immediately remove the battery from the charger. When charging, always charge when you’re awake and present. Don’t charge overnight. Lastly, try and charge away from living areas, and in areas where there’s a smoke detector.” 

In terms of how to store lithium-ion batteries, you should keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry space on a non-combustible surface such as concrete, enamel or steel, and away from combustible furnishings like beds, sofas and carpets.

How to tell if your battery is damaged

Daniel suggests regular visual checks of your batteries. “Make sure they’re not swollen, there’s no electrolyte leaking out, and they’re not showing signs that water has got to them,” he says. 

If you’ve dropped the battery and it was a significant impact or there’s visible damage, separate your battery from the rest of your tools and move it away from flammable, combustible areas. “Then get it checked or inspected,” Daniel adds. “Always take the batteries to authorised repairers for servicing and never try to service or make modifications yourself.”

What to do if a fire breaks out

Daniel doesn’t mince words when it comes to lithium battery fires: don’t tackle them yourself. “Get yourself and your family out as quickly as possible,” he says. “The vapour that comes off the battery looks like smoke and is flammable but it’s also very toxic, so just get out and dial 000.” 

Can lithium batteries be recycled?

Yes, but you have to do it properly and be aware of not taking any compromised batteries to recycle stations. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a more than 30 per cent increase in fires involving waste trucks and waste facilities, so definitely do not dispose of these batteries in your household waste,” Daniel says. “They must be safely disposed of at facilities with B-cycle [Australia’s official battery recycling scheme] facilities. For larger products, reach out to your council for how to safely dispose of them.”