Safely Handle Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can combust if they aren’t charged or stored properly. Considering their widespread use on campuses, educating your community on safe practices is crucial.
These rechargeable power sources are commonly used in personal electronics and electric transportation devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters. Research labs and robotics teams also may use them, and some campus vehicles — including golf carts — can contain these batteries.
Educate Battery Users
Consider creating a comprehensive guide for charging and storing lithium-ion batteries on campus. Include in the guide:
- Requiring lab managers and instructors to review safety guidelines if they plan to use such batteries in their labs
- Reminding drivers of rechargeable campus vehicles to follow your storage and charging requirements
- Allowing students or employees to keep personal electric vehicles on campus so long as you require registration, inform users of proper charging and storage practices, create safe charging zones outside of buildings and away from fire hazards, and prohibit charging or storage in residence halls or other campus buildings
Safe Charging and Storage Practices
Ensure batteries your institution purchases have been tested at a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.
In addition, include these tips in your battery safety guidance:
- Use manufacturer-provided charging equipment, not equipment intended for another device or any improvised charging device.
- Charge batteries in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Avoid charging devices near flammable items, especially bedding.
- Don’t charge batteries overnight.
- Remain present during charging.
- Unplug batteries once they’re fully charged.
Offer safe storage suggestions:
- Store batteries in a dry environment at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and fire hazards.
- Don’t store batteries touching each other.
- Consider using fireproof bags for storage.
Instruct users to stop using a battery and call for help if they notice:
- Odors or smoke from the battery
- Hissing, popping, or other odd noises
- Swelling or changes in shape
- Leaking
- Overheating
- Visible corrosion or damage to the battery
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Additional Resources
About the Author
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Annika Vasagiri
Former Risk Management Intern
Annika Vasagiri was a summer intern with UE’s Risk Management department. While at UE, she was a fourth-year International Affairs and Economics student at George Washington University. As an intern, she researched risk areas affecting educational institutions and the risk mitigation strategies available to them. Prior to joining UE, Annika interned at the U.S. Department of Commerce and completed an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore.