Battery Safety��Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM)��JUNE 2022
Lithium batteries have become the standard energy storage devices. They are common to University operations and are used in many teaching and research applications. ALL Batteries are susceptible to mechanical abuse, thermal abuse, electrical abuse, and environmental impacts—all of which can lead to fire or explosion. However, NOT all batteries are created equal, knowing your battery’s chemical composition and equipment’s technical and operational capabilities are essential to the stewardship of our resources.
Two distinct lithium-based battery types: Primary (lithium metal) and�Rechargeable (lithium ion)
How Can You Identify a Lithium-Based PRIMARY Battery?
How Can You Identify a Lithium-Based RECHARGEABLE Battery?
Failure Modes��These are ways the batteries can fail, often leading to thermal runaway and subsequent fires or explosions.
Mechanical Abuse�Mechanical abuse is when a battery is physically compromised by either being dropped, crushed, or penetrated.�Thermal Abuse�Thermal abuse can occur when a battery is exposed to external heat sources.�Electrical Abuse�Electrical abuse can happen when the battery is overcharged, charged too rapidly or at high voltage, or discharged too rapidly.�Environmental Impacts�Environmental impacts that can lead to battery failure include seismic activity, rodent damage to wiring, extreme heat, saltwater intrusion, and floods.
1. Ensure lithium batteries, chargers, and associated equipment are tested in accordance with an appropriate test standard (e.g., UL 2054) and, where applicable, certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), and are rated for their intended uses.��2. When replacing batteries and chargers for an electronic device, ensure they are specifically designed and approved for use with the device and they are purchased from the device’s manufacturer or a manufacturer authorized reseller.��3. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices. Inspect them regularly for signs of damage, such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, rising temperature, and smoking. Immediately remove a device or battery from service and place it in an area away from flammable materials if any of these signs are present. Contact EHSRM Hazmat for assistance (474-5617).��4. Read battery Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and equipment manuals, and update Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) accordingly.
Workplace injuries from lithium battery defects or damage are preventable and the following guidelines will assist in incorporating lithium battery safety to your workplace:
1. A “spent” battery isn’t spent. Used lithium batteries can often maintain 80%+ of their original�charge.��2. Don’t remove non-removable batteries.�Lithium polymer batteries, without hard cases,�are susceptible to damage.��3. Tape or bag the battery. The positive terminal must be protected either by tape or by being placed in a sealable clear plastic bag.��4. Do not drop-off batteries at the EHSRM office unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, place them in the used battery collection point in your building. If the battery is damaged, contact EHSRM Hazmat at 474-5617 to coordinate a pick up.
Recycling or Disposing of Lithium Batteries:�Four Important Lessons
Need to ship lithium batteries or equipment containing a lithium battery?
Do NOT attempt to ship lithium batteries or equipment containing them unless you have been trained to ship them. Contact your department Chemical Hygiene Officer or Hazmat shipper, or EHSRM for assistance (474-6771 or 474-5617).
Lithium batteries are considered hazardous material for transportation purposes. Failure to comply with DOT regulations (including training) can result in fines and/or jail. Damaged lithium batteries must never be shipped back to a manufacturer.
Airlines have rules about where lithium batteries or equipment with batteries can be stored on the aircraft.
Some batteries (especially those used in research) may be so large that they must go Cargo Aircraft Only, and air transport to some locations in Alaska may be impossible. Check with EHSRM before purchasing batteries that you intend to ship to a field site.
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