- 27 November 2024
Avoiding the dangers is as simple as knowing how to use, charge and store batteries safely.
Lithium batteries are a common part of any tradie’s day. But, handling something that often means people sometimes forget they can be dangerous if not properly looked after.
Like any tool, lithium batteries come with safety risks, particularly when they overheat. In the worst cases, they’ve been known to cause serious fires.
With another summer approaching, plenty of us will have batteries sitting around in hot vans, or out in the sun. So, now is a good time for a refresher on the dos and don’ts of battery safety to keep your worksite hazard-free.
The dangers of lithium batteries
Batteries are often exposed to a lot of wear and tear on site. While they might be built more solidly than those in your laptop, ALL lithium batteries have the potential to overheat and catch fire. Even the back of a hot truck could be enough to dangerously raise their temperature..
Lithium battery fires burn hotter than a normal blaze – anywhere from 500 to 1000 degrees celsius – with extremely toxic smoke. They’re also harder to put out, and can easily reignite.
Cutting down the risks
- Storage: While some tradies see them as another bit of kit to chuck in with the rest, it’s important to keep batteries away from anywhere a fire could spread. A cool, dry place out of direct sunlight is recommended, whether storing or charging.
- Charging: Always use the correct charger for your battery – incompatible chargers can lead to overcharging and overheating. When charging, keep the battery away from anything combustible, and never leave them unattended or running overnight.
- Remote disconnection: If you’ve got a charging station on-site, make sure there’s an easy way to remotely disconnect the batteries in case of a fire. Remember: you won’t want to have to move past the chargers to reach it.
- Enhanced fire safety measures: Wherever you’re setting up your chargers on site, be sure to have fire-resistant measures in place – smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are a good start.
- Monitor: When you’ve finished with a battery for now, take a second to check the equipment for damage. This includes signs of being dropped, crushed or punctured, or swelling, leaking and venting gas. Allow time for batteries to cool after use and before charging, too.
- Emergency response & PPE: Develop an emergency response plan with evacuation instructions specific to lithium battery fires. If you’re managing a team, make sure they’re trained on the dangers, have access to insulated tools and the appropriate PPE for battery maintenance – or, even better, bring in a professional to check the batteries. And if a fire does break out, call 000 straight away.
- Disposal: Never toss a lithium battery in general rubbish, as the risk excessive heat (especially over summer) and moisture can result in a fire in your bins, or on route to the transfer station.
