Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries are widely used in laptops, cell phones, power tools, research equipment, e-bikes, and many other rechargeable devices across campus. While these batteries provide reliable and efficient energy storage, they can present significant fire, explosion, and chemical hazards if they are damaged, improperly charged, stored incorrectly, or disposed of improperly.
This guidance provides the University community with best practices for the safe use, charging, storage, transportation, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of battery-related incidents, protects people and property, and supports compliance with applicable safety standards and manufacturer recommendations.
Handling and Use
- Purchase batteries from a reputable manufacturer or supplier
- Read all documentation supplied with battery purchase
- Never burn, overheat, disassemble, short-circuit, solder, puncture, crush, or any other methods to mutilate battery packs or cells
- Avoid excessively hot and humid conditions
- Do not put batteries in direct sunlight, hot surfaces, or in hot locations
- Always inspect batteries for any signs of damage before use
- Do not reverse the polarity
- Do not mix old and new batteries together, as well as different types of batteries
- Immediately disconnect the batteries if during operation or charging, they emit an unusual smell, develop heat, change shape/geometry, or any other abnormal behaviors.
- Use original packaging or suitable plastic container when transporting batteries to protect terminals and uninsulated connections from incidental contact
- Do not drop the batteries during transport
Charging/Discharging
- Use a charger or charging method designed to safely charge cells or battery packs within specified parameters.
- Verify that the charger settings (i.e. voltage and current) are correct for the battery pack being charged
- Always stay in or around the charging location and occasionally check on output levels and balancing effectiveness
- Charger should be on a heat-resistant, nonflammable, and nonconductive surface
- Keep all flammable materials from the charging area at a minimum of 3ft
- Do not overcharge or over-discharge batteries
- Make sure operating Temperature is within manufacturer’s specifications during charging or discharging
- Never charge in parallel
- Do not leave batteries connected to chargers after charging is complete
Storage
- Stored at 60-70% of the pack’s rated capacity, If the battery has storage mode put the battery in storage mode
- Remove the battery from the device using it.
- Store in a Li-ion battery fireproof safety bag based on battery manufacturer’s recommendation and ideal surface is concrete, metal, ceramic, or any non-flammable material. If stored in metal, ensure that batteries can not come in contact with each other.
- Cell terminals must be protected by electrical insulating material
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated room at a temp between -20 and 60 degrees Celsisus, away from heat sources and combustibles.
- Do not store in a fridge
- Storage area should be equipped with appropriate fire detection system and an ABC dry chemical extinguisher for response to surrounding combustible material fires. Do not use a Class D Powder extinguisher that is for combustible metal fires, including Lithium metals not Li-ion/LiPo batteries
Emergency Response
- Do not attempt firefighting of a Li-ion/LiPo thermal runaway event, evacuate and call Public Safety
- If battery is venting, smoking, or leaking disconnect the charger only if safe to do so, then evacuate and call Public Safety
- Use an ABC dry chemical fire only for a small incident fire if trained and safe to do so. If first attempt unsuccessful, do not initiate a second attempt, activate nearest fire alarm pull station, evacuate the area, and call Public Safety.
- Allow trained responders to use water-based cooling strategies (i.e. encapsulating agents, water mist, containment baths, etc)
- Allow EHS to assess the situation for clean-up and waste management after the situation is under control and do not re-enter area until it is deemed safe.
Waste Management
- Intact batteries are considered to be universal waste and will follow the universal wastestream. Refer to Waste Management page for additional information.
- If intent is to recycle the Intact battery then the terminals must be taped and placed in Li-ion battery fireproof safety bag and labeled “Universal waste- Li-ion batteries”. Do not mix battery types when storing in the waste accumulation area.
- Damaged batteries, regardless of cause, contact EHS for guidance.
