Lithium-ion batteries power everything from laptops and smartphones to power tools and vehicles with efficiency and portability. However, their widespread use comes with significant risks, as these batteries are contributing to a growing number of workplace fires.
Thermal Runaway Dangers
“Thermal runaway,” a process triggered by incorrect handling, storage, or charging, can cause lithium-ion batteries to fail. This failure generates heat at a rate that outpaces its dissipation, potentially causing explosions, smoke, and fire¹. Battling these fires can be tough, often needing thousands of gallons of water and carrying the threat of reigniting over the following hours or days.
Fire Prevention Strategies
To help mitigate these fire risks at your dealership, consider the following guidelines:
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- Using Certified Equipment: Ensure that batteries, chargers, and devices are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, and avoid low-quality aftermarket replacements.
- Adhering to Manufacturer Guidelines: For storage, use, and charging, following the manufacturer’s instructions can significantly reduce the likelihood of battery failure.
- Inspecting Equipment Regularly: Check batteries and devices for damage before use. Cracks, bulging, leaks, elevated temperatures, or any indication of distress warrant immediate removal from service.
- Maintaining Proper Storage: Conduct all battery charging away from combustible materials, and keep batteries and devices in cool, dry places. Ensure charged devices are removed from chargers once full to prevent overcharging.
- Ensuring Safe Disposal: Damaged batteries should be placed in a fire-resistant container away from combustibles and disposed of in accordance with instructions from a battery recycling center.
Implementing Safety Measures
By fostering a culture of safety and awareness around the potential hazards of these batteries, you can minimize risks and ensure a safer work environment for everyone.
To learn more about lithium-ion batteries and fire safety, reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative today. Federated Insurance® is proud to work with NAEDA for the benefit of all members.
¹F70-1005 – Fire Prevention and Risk Management Lithium-Ion Batteries. Federated resource 2024.
This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Some of the services referenced herein may be provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and applicable laws.
JERRY LEEMKUIL is an equipment dealer specialist for Association Risk Management Services, Federated Insurance Company. For information, write to Jerry at jjleemkuil@fedins.com or call 1-507-455-5507.
