Lithium battery smoking picture

Can a lithium battery cause a fire?

A damaged or improperly stored battery can overheat, ignite, and cause a fire in just minutes. In recent years, we've seen a sharp increase in home fires caused by lithium batteries. And these aren't just minor incidents. They're causing significant damage, injury, and loss of property.

What happens if you overcharge a lithium battery?

Overcharging can damage your battery and increase the risk of a fire. The last place you want to be when a fire breaks out is asleep. Store lithium batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Exposing lithium batteries to heat has the same effect as overcharging.

What should I do if a battery starts to smoke?

If the device or battery starts to smoke or emit flames: Evacuate the area and close doors if safe to do so to slow the spread of fire ensuring no one goes back inside the building for any reason. The vented battery gases, vapour and smoke are highly toxic and flammable and must not be inhaled.

Can lithium-ion batteries cause a vapour cloud explosion?

The hydrogen content of the released gases can give rise to vapour cloud explosion risks which have the potential to cause significant damage. TT advocates a range of measures to mitigate the risks. A prudent starting point would be to perform a fire risk assessment, considering the specific hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries.

Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Fire is not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries. Here’s what risk managers need to know, and how to manage the threats The devastating consequences of rapidly spreading and often challenging-to-extinguish fires involving lithium-ion batteries have been well-documented in recent months.

How do you know if a lithium battery is damaged?

Although they’re safe when used, stored and managed properly, they can be a serious fire risk if they’re damaged, as they have a higher chance of igniting and starting a fire. Warning signs that your lithium battery is damaged include: Swelling – the battery looks swollen, deformed or it’s leaking. Overheating – the battery is hot to the touch.