Lithium Batteries: Safe Handling, Storage and Disposal

Apr. 29, 2024

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Lithium Batteries: Safe Handling, Storage and Disposal

Lithium batteries are used for many things, and they are very safe. But proper use, handling and storage are important for keeping workers safe on the job.

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Common Uses of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are used in many devices present in the workplace. They include pretty much all computers, cell phones, cordless tools, watches, cameras, flashlights, some medical devices, and vehicles ranging from golf carts, electric cars, airplanes and many others. Batteries of all types are useful because they allow us to store energy for use whenever it is needed. However, storing energy is inherently dangerous, and batteries can overheat through a process called “thermal runaway.” This means that the temperature and pressure inside one or more battery cells increases faster than the heat can be dissipated. This can happen for many reasons, such as external heat sources, internal shorts, or other malfunctions. Fires involving lithium batteries can be difficult to extinguish. They can also produce irritating and toxic fumes.

Types of Lithium Batteries and Their Hazards

Lithium metal batteries are almost always single-use, non-rechargeable batteries. Lithium ion batteries are usually rechargeable. They use lithium ions found in lithium compounds to create a chemical reaction. Lithium ion batteries are more stable than lithium metal batteries, but they can still generate heat, catch fire or even explode.

Hazards of Lithium and Lithium Compounds

Lithium is a soft, silver-white alkali metal that reacts with water, including the moisture in ambient air. Lithium is flammable, and can spontaneously ignite. It must be encased in a compatible substance such as petroleum jelly so it cannot contact moisture or anything else. It is corrosive to skin and other metals, and toxic if consumed in large enough quantities, and releases toxic vapors if burned. Most incidents happen when the battery’s shell is damaged and the lithium is exposed to air/moisture. Lithium compounds contain lithium ions which are individual lithium atoms. These are different from pure lithium metal. They tend to be much more stable, though they can still be corrosive, irritating or toxic.

Recommended Safe Handling and Storage Methods for Lithium Batteries

When working with lithium batteries in an occupational setting, people may be managing large numbers of batteries. It’s important to wear all required protective equipment, including eye protection. Preventing shorts by protecting battery terminals from contacting each other is a fundamental safe handling and storage practice. Battery terminals should remain covered, if possible. Care should always be taken when handling batteries. Using excessive force to remove batteries from a device can cause damage, so be careful. Batteries should only be charged according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any swollen, dented or otherwise damaged batteries should be disposed of.

Batteries should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry area kept between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be stored away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and water. Batteries should be stacked so that they’re stable and won’t be bumped, knocked over or otherwise damaged. Never stack heavy objects on top of batteries or devices containing batteries. Lithium metal batteries should be isolated from other types of batteries and all batteries should be isolated from flammable or explosive materials.

Lithium Battery Disposal

Most types of lithium batteries are considered either regular solid waste, or universal waste, depending on the exact battery. Universal wastes are regulated by simplified rules that make disposal easier than if they were considered hazardous wastes. However, there are some types of lithium batteries that are classified as hazardous wastes. Some types of lithium batteries can be recycled; some types cannot be recycled. It may be necessary to consult a qualified person or other resource to find out what the proper disposal method is for the battery you have. In some cases, you may be able to just throw the battery in the regular trash. In other cases, you may need to take it to a recycling or other type of facility for proper disposal.

Lithium Battery Spill Cleanup

If a lithium battery is damaged and the contents spill out, precautions must be taken to prevent anyone from contacting the spilled material. Only people with proper training should attempt to clean the spill. If the spill involves a lithium metal battery, the area should be evacuated until a qualified person can be called in to respond to the spill. If battery contents get on the skin, the area should be flushed with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Call for medical attention if necessary. Gases or vapors from batteries must not be inhaled. If you think someone has inhaled gases or vapors from a lithium battery, get them outside or into another area away from the battery, and get medical help.

Conclusion

Lithium batteries are, by and large, a safe and reliable source of portable energy. The number of incidents involving lithium batteries is relatively small, and the general likelihood of being injured by lithium batteries is also low. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes. Knowing a little about the types of lithium batteries, their potential hazards, and safe handling and storage of lithium batteries will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and the safety of your coworkers, employees, or even your family. If you are not sure about how to dispose of a battery, whether a battery is safe, or have any questions about lithium batteries, there are many online resources, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

The CPSC also provides general guidance on lithium cell phone batteries.

If you believe a lithium battery is damaged, is overheating, is swollen or seems like it’s dangerous in some way, call 911.

SafetySkills has created a course over lithium battery safety that covers the following topics:

Types of lithium batteries
Hazards associated with lithium batteries
Proper handling, storage and disposal of lithium batteries
Response procedures for emergencies involving lithium batteries

Schedule a Demo to View More Courses

Additional reading:
Smart Meter Benefits for Utilities

Link to OMMO

How to Safely Store Lithium-Ion Batteries

What are Lithium-ion Batteries?

Updated October 4th, 2023

Since their introduction in 1991, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries remain popular among small and large corporations alike due to their long lifespans and lightweight designs.

Today we use them as the main power source for smartphones, laptops, tablets, drones, scooters, bikes, and electric cars. However, if lithium batteries are not stored properly, they can become extremely dangerous. In this article, we’ll offer some suggestions on how to accomplish safe storage of lithium batteries.

Tips for Lithium-ion Battery Storage: Temperature and Charge

Temperature is vital for understanding how to store lithium batteries. The recommended storage temperature for most is 59° F (15° C)—but that’s not the case across the board. So, before storing lithium batteries, thoroughly read labels on proper storage for your specific battery type. Lithium battery storage buildings with climate control are ideal for storing bulk quantities of Li-ion batteries at specific temperatures to ensure a safe storage environment. Also, be aware of the state of charge while storing. Nickel and lithium-ion batteries should be stored at around 40% state of charge. Lithium-ion batteries might become unstable if not stored at their proper levels. Be sure to know the specifics unique to YOUR battery. To ignore such information that could prove devastating. Overcharging may cause excessive heat to damage the battery internally and potentially create a fire event. Some batteries specify a charge between 30% and 50%. Some cells can be stored fully discharged, although the cell voltage should not drop below 2.0 for optimal safety. The maximum voltage should not exceed 4.1 volts. Always follow the individual charging instructions provided with each Li-ion battery from the manufacturer.

How to Store Lithium-ion Batteries: Maintenance and Handling Precautions

- Monitor battery charge status while charging
- Ensure temperature controls are set to specified temperatures
- Observe run time with a fully-charged battery
- If you drop a battery, inspect closely for damage and isolate that battery if possible until fully tested
- Check batteries before placing them in storage for irregularities in charge status
- Avoid exposing Li-Ion batteries to excessive vibration
- Do not keep batteries in excessively high OR low temperatures
- Always handle batteries with caution
- Store li-on batteries in the storage building only after it reaches recommended temperature levels
- Do not use damaged batteries
- In case of contact with fluid, do not rub your eyes. Immediately flush eyes at an eyewash station
- Wash hands after handling batteries

Finding Safe Lithium-ion Battery Storage with U.S. Chemical Storage

Upholding Safety and Quality

Serving Across Industries

U.S. Chemical Storage is happy to service several industries that depend on lithium-ion batteries and Li-ion cells for production, including automotive, marine, medical, robotics, aerospace, and tech. However, the list is growing exponentially every day. We proudly work with the military for

Li-ion batteries present challenges and hazards to manufacturers who rely on safely storing these powerful energy tools, and the right storage solution can make or break your operation. U.S. Chemical Storage prides itself on providing safe and reliable prefabricated storage buildings designed to store lithium batteries. Carefully designed lithium battery storage buildings present a tangible solution for how to store or charge batteries while preserving your products for ease of access and safety.U.S. Chemical Storage is happy to service several industries that depend on lithium-ion batteries and Li-ion cells for production, including automotive, marine, medical, robotics, aerospace, and tech. However, the list is growing exponentially every day. We proudly work with the military for mission-critical applications and have a reputation for providing safe products suited for drones, surveillance, UAVs, and other vital equipment.

Current Code Regulations

Mitigate, Isolate, and Prevent

ISOLATE any batteries within a fire-rated building. This can help protect other property but can allow fire crews to identify and surround a fire quickly.

MITIGATE the battery’s volatility by outfitting that building with features such as climate control, power sources that can be segregated for quick response, sirens and alarms to notify of environmental changes inside, and fire suppression systems to stop a thermal event before it starts.

PREVENT to prevent an off-gassing or thermal runaway even from happening in the first place. U.S. Chemical Storage is committed to offering the most up-to-date solutions for sensors and detectors as this rapidly-changing industry allows. Depend on us to be constantly staying abreast of any regulations or changes made in the future.

The Best Place to Store Batteries

Lithium battery storage buildings are 100% customizable and can be equipped with charging stations for safe convenience.

Our Battery Storage Solutions

Temperature is a vital factor in ensuring your batteries are stored safely, which is why we offer fire suppression, including dry chemical storage fire suppression or water sprinklers to possibly slow the event a fire occurs. Our buildings also feature

There is currently no code in the U.S. that regulates the proper storage of new or used batteries, charging of batteries, or the recycling of batteries. The only recommendations so far are those from the NFPA that address Battery Energy Systems (BESS) for large-scale energy applications like wind or solar farms. So while we can not say that we offer code-compliant solutions for lithium battery storage, it’s only because there is no code. HOWEVER, we design buildings for highly dangerous flammable and combustible chemicals and powders every day. Lithium batteries are just one more hazardous material we are happy to tackle. Our recommendation when deciding what to do for your Lithium Battery application is toLithium battery storage buildings are 100% customizable and can be equipped with charging stations for safe convenience.is a vital factor in ensuring your batteries are stored safely, which is why we offer climate control options for your battery storage building, including access controls and temperature regulation to keep your operation running smoothly. Fire suppression systems are a must for storing hazardous materials, which is why we offer several options for, including dry chemical storage fire suppression or water sprinklers to possibly slow the event a fire occurs. Our buildings also feature mechanical ventilation fiberglass grated flooring , and a variety of door styles for exit and entry. These factors are designed with the user in mind for the safe movement of lithium-ion batteries.

Being able to access your materials when and where you need them is crucial to smooth, productive operation. Location is another critical aspect of storing batteries long term.

U.S. Chemical Storage provides safe, reliable, prefabricated storage buildings, including solutions for outdoor and indoor storage. Fire-rated lithium storage buildings can be located outdoors and placed a safe distance away from other property if necessary.

Keep your lithium-ion batteries easily sectioned with multi-room storage.

Let Us Build a Custom Storage Solution for You

Have questions about how we can serve your industry and how to store lithium batteries?

Have questions about how we can serve your industry and how to store lithium batteries? Contact us or call us at (800) 233-1480 to schedule a consultation today and receive a quote.

Our team of experts be dedicated to properly engineered solutions to help you ISOLATE, MITIGATE, and PREVENT a lithium battery event through li-on battery storage and charging solutions.

The company is the world’s best Solar Lithium Battery Storage supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

References

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