Lithium batteries are in e-bikes, e-scooters, cordless tools, vacuum cleaners, phones and laptops. They pack a lot of energy into a small space, which is what makes them so handy. It is also why a faulty, damaged or badly charged battery can start a fire that grows quickly and is hard to put out.
A few sensible habits reduce the risk. Fire and Rescue NSW publishes battery safety guidance, and it is the place to go for current advice. What follows is general good practice, not a substitute for it.
Use the right charger
Use the charger that came with the device, or one the manufacturer says is suitable. Chargers are not all the same, even when the plug fits. The wrong one can overcharge a battery or push power in faster than the battery was built for.
Be cautious with cheap, unbranded or second-hand chargers and batteries, and with anything that has been modified. If you need a replacement, get it from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer.
Choose where you charge
Where you charge matters as much as what you charge with.
- Charge on a hard surface that will not burn, such as a concrete or tiled floor.
- Keep charging off beds, sofas, carpet and piles of clothing. Soft surfaces trap heat and burn easily.
- Keep chargers and batteries out of exit paths. A bike charging in the hallway or by the front door sits between you and the way out if something goes wrong.
- Give the battery space, away from anything that burns and out of direct sun.
- For larger batteries such as those in e-bikes and scooters, a garage, shed or carport is a better place than a bedroom, if you have the choice.
- Have a working smoke alarm in the area where you charge.
In a workshop or on site, the same thinking applies. Set up a charging spot for tool batteries that is tidy, clear of sawdust, rags and fuel, and away from the door.
Don’t leave it charging unattended
Charge when you are home and awake, so you can notice if something goes wrong. Avoid leaving batteries on charge overnight or while you are out. Be especially careful with cheap chargers, which may not cut off properly when the battery is full.
Unplug once the battery is charged. If a battery or charger gets unusually hot, stop charging.
Know the warning signs
Stop using a battery, and stop charging it, if you notice:
- swelling, bulging or a case that has changed shape
- cracks, dents or other damage from a drop or knock
- leaking, or a strange smell
- hissing, crackling or popping sounds
- more heat than usual
- signs that it has been under water
A damaged or swollen battery is not something to keep using carefully. Take it out of service and get advice on what to do with it. If there is smoke or flame, treat it as a fire.
Getting rid of old batteries
Lithium batteries don’t belong in household rubbish or recycling bins, where they can be crushed and catch fire. Your local council can tell you where to take them.
If a battery catches fire
Battery fires can flare up fast and give off toxic smoke. Don’t try to deal with one yourself. Get everyone out and stay out. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
At work
If your business relies on battery tools, e-bikes or other rechargeable equipment, treat charging as part of your everyday safety routine. Decide where charging happens, who checks the batteries, and what staff should do with a damaged one. Write it down and show new starters.
It helps to keep the number of batteries on charge at once to what you need, and to have one person responsible for the charging area so problems get noticed. SafeWork NSW has information for workplaces on managing risks like this.
If you want to talk through battery charging areas or fire equipment at your workplace, V&H Fire Group can help between the Central Coast and Newcastle. Call Byron on 0483 371 134.
This article is general information, not advice for your building. For what applies to your premises, talk to us on site.
