• Primary (Non-Rechargeable): Contains metallic lithium; reacts violently with moisture. Extinguish fires with Class D extinguisher, sand, or EHS crash kit materials. DO NOT use water to extinguish a primary lithium battery fire.
• Secondary (Rechargeable): Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. Fires can be extinguished with an ABC or a Class D fire extinguisher, EHS Crash Kit materials, or sand. One of the key differences between these two types of batteries is the electrolyte that is used.

Li-Ion Batteries:

• Normally have a rigid housing in a cylindrical or rectangular shape.
• Use a liquid organic electrolyte.
• Higher density and offer a longer life cycle.
• Typically used for applications requiring a high energy capacity and enhanced durability.

LiPo Batteries:

• Have a flexible, soft, plastic/aluminum pouch.
• Use a gel or solid polymer electrolyte.
• Light weight, smaller, thinner, and offer different shapes.
• Have a shorter life cycle.
• Used in light weight applications and electronics. 

Flammability:

• Lithium-based battery components are inherently flammable, highly reactive to air and water, and generate excessive heat and flammable gases, which ultimately becomes a fire hazard.

Thermal runaway:

• Sometimes battery cell separators fail, resulting in the mixing of the anode and cathode, which creates an intense thermal reaction, which can result in a thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can occur as a result of building or purchasing lithium-based batteries with poor quality materials, overcharging, and storage or use in extreme temperatures.

Damaged Protective Outer Layer/Housing:

• A lithium based battery with damage to its protective layers exposing inner components will ultimately result in a hazardous outcome such as fire, thermal runaway, or a reaction producing toxic gases.

Bulging/Swelling:

The most common sign of battery failure. Internal battery components are in the degradation process and producing gasses. Batteries that are fully enclosed within a device may show this process with cracks or parts separating.

Excessive heat:

Temperatures over 113 degrees F/45 degrees C during battery use are signs of battery failure. Temperatures reached during use and charging do not reach these levels when operating normally.

Noises (hissing, cracking, popping):

Lithium-based batteries should not produce noises. Noises are a sign of chemical reaction that will lead to other hazards listed in this section.

Releases of odors and gases:

Odors and gases emanating from a battery is an indication that the battery is failing and could potentially produce a fire at any time.

Punctures:

Punctures in the protective outer layer or housing of a battery is considered a battery failure. Exposed battery components can react with air and water and ultimately create a hazardous environment leading to a fire.

Lithium-based battery failures require immediate attention in order to prevent an emergency situation from occurring. 

Bulging batteries:

Bulging batteries may be placed in fire proof/fire safe bags, the same that are used when in storage and during charging, and placed in an empty fume hood. If a fume hood is not available, place the battery and bag in a location clear of combustible and hazardous materials. Contact EHS immediately if you have a bulging lithium-based battery. 

Batteries with punctures, in thermal-runaway, or producing smoke or gas:

• Batteries in this category are in an emergency situation
• Dial x6611 (518-276-6427) to notify public safety
• Use a Lithium Battery Crash Kit:
  • Place it in an empty fume hood if safe to do so. If an empty fume hood is not available, place the kit in a location clear of combustible and hazardous materials.
  • If a crash kit is not available, place the battery in a fire safe bag. Place it in an empty fume hood if safe to do so. 

Due to their significant hazards, EHS requires the following guidelines when procuring, building, charging, and storing lithium-based batteries. Always follow the battery manufacturers instructions and recommendations. 

EHS requires approval from supervision and/or the space owner prior to procurement and work commencing with lithium-based batteries.

Procurement:

Ensure that batteries in use or to be purchased are labeled with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) identification. This identification is placed on batteries that have been thoroughly tested and will perform as expected.

Storage:

• Batteries should always be stored away from sources of ignition, flames, extreme heat, hazardous materials, and combustible materials (including fabrics).
• Store batteries at room temperature and within fire proof non-metal containers, such as fire-safe bags intended for lithium-based batteries. These containers should be used when batteries are not actively in use.
• Physically separate batteries from conductive materials including metals and other batteries.
• Ensure that batteries are holding a charge within a safe range while in storage.

Charging:

• Charge batteries following manufacturers instructions and recommendations.
• Charge using UL or ETL certified chargers.
• Never use a third party charger as they may not match up to the requirements for the battery. Third party charger use is a primary cause of battery failure.
• Ensure charging batteries are supervised. DO NOT leave batteries being charged unattended.

Lithium-based batteries cannot be disposed of in the normal waste stream. To properly dispose of lithium-based batteries, please complete a Regulated Waste Pickup Request. 

For more information, please visit our Regulated Waste Management webpage.