West Midlands Fire Service Advice for Lithium-Ion Batteries

How to charge safely

Many fires involving lithium-ion batteries happen during charging. Reduce the risk:

• Use the charger that came with your device. If it didn’t come with one, make sure you use one that’s compatible (power, output)
• Charge on a hard, flat surface, away from anything that could catch fire and burn
• Unplug once fully charged, don’t leave on charge overnight or while you’re away from home
• Don’t block escape routes – never charge batteries in hallways, doorways or under stairs
• Let batteries cool before charging
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions

How to store safely

• Where you keep lithium-ion batteries or devices powered by them, especially when they’re on charge, significantly affects fire risk
• Keep them away from anything that could catch fire and burn. Somewhere cool and dry is best
• Never cover items with lithium-ion batteries when they’re charging, such as under pillows, down the side of furniture or anywhere that isn’t properly ventilated, should the device get warm while charging or in use

How to spot a dangerous battery

Damaged or faulty lithium-ion batteries are a fire risk. Look out for these warning signs:

• Feels unusually hot when charging or in use
• Swelling, bulging, or leaking liquid
• Burning or acrid smell
• Hissing sound
• Device won’t hold a charge properly
• Damage to the casing, such as a dent, that could have affected the battery on the inside

Read more about Lithium-Ion safety on the West Midlands Fire Service website – www.wmfs.net/news/fast-fierce-fatal/