Many portable devices today are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can store a large amount of energy in a smaller amount of space than traditional batteries. They are also comparatively lightweight and more compact than other battery types.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used, powering many households’ rechargeable devices, including:
- toys
- power tools
- e-bikes and e-scooters
- mobility devices such as mobility scooters
- mobile phones
- smart watches and fitness trackers
- laptops and tablets
- vapes and e-cigarettes
- electric and hybrid vehicles
- home energy storage systems (home solar batteries).
On this page:
Identifying
How do I know if I have one?
Lithium-ion batteries come in a variety of forms including cylindrical, prismatic (brick shaped), flat and pouch (device specific). They can be difficult to identify as there is currently no requirement or standard for labelling or marking.
Most Lithium-ion batteries will have some form of marking on the device containing any of the following words, ‘lithium-ion’, ‘Li-ion’, ‘li-po’, ‘lithium-polymer’ or ‘Li+’. If the battery is rechargeable and has ‘Li’ or ‘lithium’ printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery.
Purchasing batteries and devices
Only purchase new lithium-ion batteries or lithium-ion battery devices from reputable suppliers. Second-hand, second-life or ‘refurbished’ batteries and devices have an unknown history and can carry a higher risk of failure.
Advice
- Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools that utilise lithium-ion batteries outside and away from combustible materials whenever possible.
- A working smoke alarm or a heat alarm should be installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly stored.
- Fire services recommend smoke alarms that are connected to 240-volt mains power with a battery backup, or alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery. When more than one smoke alarm is installed, they should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
- Always store lithium-ion batteries and products in cool, dry places and out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure safe charging practices are adhered to.
- Always dispose of batteries at an approved recycling facility. Contact your local council for approved locations.
- Batteries that are incorrectly disposed of in regular household waste or home recycling bins, can cause fires during waste collection, transportation, handling, and processing.
- Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour or gas, or is on fire.
- If any device or battery starts to emit vapour, gas, smoke, or flames, immediately evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000).
- If the battery or charger becomes damaged, discontinue use, and dispose correctly.
- Use a replacement battery or charger from the manufacturer.
- Always dispose of batteries at an approved recycling facility. Contact your local council for approved locations.
For further information, the ACCC has released consumer advice.
Battery fires
Common causes of battery fires
- Lithium-ion batteries may release toxic, flammable gases which may lead to fire.
- There are several avoidable situations which may lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including:
- overcharging
- use of non-compliant or incompatible charging equipment
- use of non-compliant or incompatible spare batteries
- overheating and short-circuiting from exposure to heat or extreme temperatures
- physical damage (e.g. dropping, crushing, piercing and/or vibrations)
- short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults
- modifying or tampering with battery system
- installing used batteries into a new or different device, including the use of poor quality, non-genuine or non-compatible batteries and charging equipment.
- DIY battery building
- improper storage.
- Damaged or compromised lithium-ion batteries may be unpredictable and should be treated with caution when handled or moved.
- Always use and charge according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Thermal runaway
- When lithium-ion batteries fail, they may enter a process called ‘thermal runaway’.
- Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries begins when the battery gets too hot and can’t cool down fast enough. This heat causes more heat to be produced, and the battery can’t stop it. This can lead to fire or explosion.
- A thermal runaway event may result in the violent bursting of battery cells, and the release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases. Violent fire behaviour with sparks and jet-like flames may also occur.
- The resulting chemical reaction releases energy that is self-sustaining and can be difficult to extinguish.
Thermal runaway can occur at any time, and without any warning. Thermal runaway warning signs include:
- Heat: A rapid rise in the temperature of the battery.
- Appearance: Discolouration, blistering, bulging or swelling of the casing.
- Noise: Popping, hissing, whistling and crackling sounds.
- Odour: Pungent odours or leaking electrolyte can be released.
- Vapour or smoke: Production of vapour, smoke and/or fumes.
- Flames: intense jet like flame.
Safe charging
Safe charging of lithium-ion batteries and associated devices
Never
- Use charging devices with worn or damaged cables.
- Charge devices on or under soft furnishings like couches, beds, or pillows.
- Charge large battery devices, like e-scooters, e-bikes, or power tools when you are sleeping.
- Charge, store, or leave lithium-ion batteries and devices in areas where they may be exposed to heat or moisture.
- Leave devices containing lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up.
- Use chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) as this can cause damage to the battery.
Always
- Plug in one device per outlet.
- Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters outside and away from combustible materials whenever possible.
- Ensure a working interconnected smoke alarm or heat alarm is installed in any space where devices are charged and stored.
- Use chargers that are supplied with the device or that are recommended by the manufacturer. If a charger is not included, only use chargers from reputable brands and suppliers that are made for the device.
- Follow the manufacturers charging and operation instructions.
- Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can’t catch on fire, like stone, concrete or tiles.
- Charge devices when you are home to monitor.
- Disconnect the battery from the charger once the recommended charging cycle is complete.
- Ensure the battery and charger have no signs of damage, defects, or electrical faults.
Damage and disposal
How do I know if my device or battery is damaged?
Thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries can occur rapidly and can often be quite violent, resulting in the production of toxic, flammable gas and vapours, fire and projectiles.
Don't use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage (cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed).
Lithium-ion batteries with any sign of damage, or that have been exposed to water or liquid should be treated as damaged and highly dangerous.
Warning signs include:
- strong odours
- discolouration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing
- leaking fluid
- corrosion or crusting around terminals
- heating up and feeling extremely hot to touch
- abnormal popping, hissing or crackling sounds
- smoke and fumes.
Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns.
Safe battery disposal – undamaged lithium-ion batteries
- Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries or devices in industrial waste, general household waste or recycling bins.
- When a battery is no longer able to keep a charge, it is considered end-of-life. Do not store end-of-life batteries together in a pile.
- If the battery is end-of-life, do not sell or donate the battery or device.
- Contact your local council for instructions about how to discard or recycle lithium-ion batteries in your local area.
- Tape over battery terminals with electrical tape before giving them to a disposal or recycling facility.
- Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off gassing) batteries in a plastic container.
Safe battery disposal – damaged lithium-ion batteries
- Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour, gas, or is on fire.
- Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns.
- Always use gloves/hand protection before touching or moving leaking batteries.
- Fire or smoke-damaged batteries should be kept outside in a well-ventilated area and stored away from any other dangerous goods or materials that are combustible or flammable.
- Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off-gassing) batteries in a plastic container.
- Check safe disposal options at Recycle Mate or B-Cycle to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries or products.
Advice
Car accidents
- Make sure that your EV is identifiable by emergency services. There should be a blue “EV” sticker/badge on the number plate to indicate that it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. These stickers are there specifically to warn emergency responders of the presence of a high voltage battery.
- Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident.
- Damaged EVs should be kept in an open area away from other vehicles, buildings, and/or other materials that are combustible or flammable.
- Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice.
- Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
Water and batteries
- Always assume that a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is energised.
- A residential BESS that has been damaged by impact, fire, or water must not be put back into operation, even if it appears to be operational, until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
- After a storm, remember that electricity, gas and water supplies may be disrupted. If you think your property has been damaged, have all utilities checked and tested by a licenced technician before you use them, including your BESS and Photovoltaic array (PV) arrays (battery and solar panels).
- Never drive or ride through flood water.
- Flood waters can conceal objects that can cause damage to any vehicle. If damage occurs to an Electric Vehicle (EV) in a flood, there is a risk of thermal runaway, which may lead to a fire. if the damage occurs in salt water, the risk of battery short circuits, leading to fire, increases.
If your vehicle has been submerged in water, treat your EV with caution as the high voltage battery pack may be compromised. Do not attempt to drive or charge the vehicle.
- Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
- Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice.
- If your vehicle has been submerged in water and you notice bubbles emerging, move away from the vehicle as these may contain toxic gases.
DIY builds, conversions, repairs, and upgrades
- A significant proportion of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are from equipment that has been built or engineered by inexperienced or unqualified person.
- Working on lithium-ion batteries can be highly dangerous. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred when batteries have been mishandled.
- Cheap, unprotected, and second-hand batteries used in DIY projects have led to severe fires causing significant loss.
- Battery repairs, servicing and installations should always be carried out by qualified professionals.
Emergencies
What to do in an emergency
- In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
- Do not touch anything that is on fire.
- If any device or battery starts to give off smoke or emit flames: Call Triple Zero (000).
- Evacuate the area and close doors behind you, this may slow the spread of smoke and fire.
- Do not re-enter the building for any reason, until the area is made safe by firefighters.
- Avoid inhaling the vented battery gases, vapour, and smoke as it is highly toxic.
- If anyone has been exposed to spilt electrolyte, flying debris, smoke, vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance.
- Burns should be treated immediately with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Burns larger than a 20-cent coin require emergency care. Call Triple Zero (000) and follow the advice of the operator.
If a small battery or device such as a phone or tablet starts overheating:
- Unplug it from the power outlet if safe to do so.
- If safe to do so, move it to an outside area away from any combustible material and away from windows or doorways.
- Be aware the device may be hot and could cause burns.
- Leave the building and call Triple Zero (000) even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames. There is a good chance that the battery might reignite if it has not been cooled enough.
If your battery or device is not on fire or smoking but does show signs of the following:
- pungent odours
- overheating
- significant change in colour or blistering of the casing
- swelling or leaking or changing shape
- unusual noises such as crackling or hissing.
If safe to do so, disconnect the device from the power supply and move the device outside away from any combustible items. Call Triple Zero (000).