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.
If you believe a lithium battery is damaged, is overheating, is swollen or seems like it&#;s dangerous in some way, call 911.
How Can HSI Help?
HSI has created a course over lithium battery safety that covers the following topics:
- Recognize types of lithium batteries and their hazards
- Identify proper handling, storage, disposal and emergency response procedures for lithium batteries
The world of technology is often powered by lithium batteries, from our smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and various home appliances. Known for their high energy density and long life cycles, lithium batteries have become a staple in our daily lives. However, these powerful energy sources require specific care to ensure their longevity and safety.
To ensure you store your lithium-ion batteries safely and correctly, we explain the storage steps you need to take in detail below.
Factors to Consider to Store Lithium Batteries
Lithium Ion batteries require a bit of extra care when it comes to storage techniques. These are often the most sought-after batteries for solar battery charging because they are rechargeable, but they can be expensive, so storing them properly is in the best interest in terms of cost and longevity.
Temperature
The environment in which lithium batteries are stored plays a significant role in their safety and lifespan. These batteries prefer cool, dry spaces away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can degrade the battery's performance and potentially make it unsafe.
The optimum storage temperature for lithium-ion batteries is 10C (50F). The higher the temperature at which your lithium-ion battery is stored, the more quickly it will self-discharge.
In most instances, temperatures below freezing won&#;t significantly damage lithium-ion batteries as they don&#;t contain water. Still, you shouldn&#;t store them at sub-zero temperatures regardless. If you&#;re storing your lithium-ion batteries long-term make sure the conditions are optimal.
Humidity
Humidity can also affect lithium batteries. Moisture can cause corrosion on the battery contacts and, in some cases, can lead to the battery shorting out. Therefore, it's essential to store these batteries in an area with low humidity.
The optimum storage humidity for lithium-ion batteries is 50%. When the air is too humid, condensation can accumulate between the terminals, which can cause a short in the batteries.
In the worst-case scenario, a short can cause the battery to overheat and it may even catch fire. It&#;s for this reason that you should provide each terminal with a separate cover and do everything you can to prevent humidity from damaging the lithium-ion cells.
Charge
Lithium batteries should be kept in a non-conductive and fire-resistant storage container when not in use. This measure further reduces the risk of any unintended reactions that could compromise safety.
Every battery self-discharges when it is stored in the long term. Typically, most lithium-ion batteries will self-discharge at around 5% in the first 24 hours of being charged. Thereafter, each battery will discharge at a rate of 1-2% per month. If your lithium-ion battery comes with a safety circuit, this alone will contribute to a self-discharge rate of around 3%.
It&#;s best to store your lithium-ion batteries at around a 40-50% state of charge if you plan to use them immediately. You should also be mindful that lithium-ion batteries can suffer damage if you overcharge them for too long.
Prevent Battery Terminals from Coming into Contact
Arguably the most vital aspect of storing lithium batteries safely is ensuring the battery terminals don't touch any metals or other battery terminals. Lithium batteries and devices containing them should be stored in a secure compartment, cabinet, or shelf that's protected from potential bumps or disturbances. This prevents any displacement of the batteries and keeps the terminals from contacting.
To increase safety, consider utilizing battery terminal covers, or store them in their original packaging if it's feasible. Importantly, batteries should be kept separate as much as possible, similar to how you would prevent squabbling kids in the backseat of a car from bothering each other during a long drive. If space constraints necessitate stacking batteries, take care to position them so they won't be disturbed, and avoid placing additional items on top of them.
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Organize Batteries by Type and Age
For safety's sake, you might need to engage in a bit of organization. Separating batteries by type is logical and prevents a haphazard, chaotic assortment of cells that can be overwhelming. Plus, it simplifies the task of keeping the terminals from touching. It's also advisable to categorize batteries based on their age, which may not seem obvious but is a crucial safety step. Typically, the weakest battery can limit a device's performance. If one battery is weak, your remote control may not transmit a signal effectively, or your emergency flashlight might glow less brightly.
More alarmingly, mixing old and new batteries can pose dangers. The constant voltage output from the chemical reaction in a battery depends on the battery's internal resistance, which increases as the battery is used. This resistance can cause the battery to heat up when a newer battery forces energy through the older one, potentially causing the older battery to overheat or leak. Additionally, the newer battery loses energy much quicker, which is inefficient. By keeping track of your batteries' age, you can safely get maximum use from them. Consider labeling your batteries with the purchase date or store receipts with your batteries to help remember when you bought them.
Maintain Batteries in a Moderate and Dry Climate
Here, the term "climate" implies an optimal environment for batteries. They should be kept in mild conditions, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity. The storage area should be well-ventilated and dry, with a fairly consistent temperature. The best temperature for storing batteries is around 59&#;, but typical room temperatures are usually adequate. That is, unless your living conditions fall outside the range of &#;40°F to 122°F, which suggests you reside in extreme environments like an igloo or a volcano, and it would be inadvisable to store batteries in your home.
For a better understanding of how to store lithium batteries safely, here are some things to avoid:
- Avoid charging the battery near fire or extreme heat. If the battery leaks or releases an unusual odor, immediately remove it from an open flame.
- Stop using the battery immediately if it swells or leaks.
- Keep the battery away from water and dampness.
- Never throw the battery into a fire or heat it.
- Never directly connect the battery to a wall outlet or car cigarette lighter.
- Do not short-circuit the battery's positive and negative poles with wires or other metal objects. Avoid transporting or storing the battery with metallic objects like necklaces or hairpins.
- Avoid mishandling the battery by knocking, stepping on, or modifying it. Do not expose it to sunlight or place it in a microwave or high-voltage environment.
- Always use a proper lithium battery charger. Never use inferior chargers or chargers for other types of batteries.
- Do not mix the battery with metal objects as they could touch the battery's positive and negative terminals, leading to a short circuit, damaging the battery, or causing hazards.
- Do not use the battery with primary batteries or batteries of different capacities, models, and types.
- If the battery emits an unusual odor, overheats, deforms, discolors, or shows any other abnormalities, it should be immediately removed from the device or charger and cease use.
- During transport, protect the battery from moisture and avoid squeezing or colliding, which could damage the battery.
- Never use or store the battery in high-temperature environments (such as in the hot sun or a very hot car), as this can cause the battery to overheat, ignite, malfunction, and shorten its life.
- Avoid storage in places with strong static electricity or magnetic fields as it can damage the battery's safety protection device, leading to potential risks.
- If the battery shows any signs of unusual odor, overheating, discoloration, deformation, or other abnormalities during use, storage, or charging, remove the battery from the device or charger immediately and discontinue use.
In Conclusion
The advancements in lithium battery technology have brought unprecedented convenience and efficiency into our daily lives. From powering our smartphones and laptops to electric cars and countless other devices, their utility is undeniable. However, along with the immense benefits, they also come with specific safety concerns. Proper handling and storage of lithium batteries are not only crucial for maximizing their lifespan but, more importantly, for preventing potentially hazardous situations.
The significance of correct lithium battery storage practices cannot be overstated. It's essential to understand these safety measures and put them into practice. Only then can we continue to benefit from the technological miracles that these tiny powerhouses provide while ensuring our safety. As consumers and beneficiaries of this technology, it's our responsibility to be informed and vigilant. By doing so, we contribute to a safer and more efficient energy future.
FAQs about lithium battery storage
In what temperature range should the lithium battery be used?
Lithium-ion batteries can be used in a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C.However, charging can usually only take place at temperatures of +0°C to +45°C.
How long is the battery life?
Lithium-ion batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times (depending on capacity). However, these values can only be achieved under optimal conditions. Depending on the handling and maintenance of the battery, the number of cycles may be reduced. During the service life, the capacity will decrease. Generally speaking, when the nominal capacity of the battery is less than 70%, it is called worn-out.
What is the memory effect (using NiCd technology) and/or the lazy battery effect?
The battery keeps track of its intensity of use. If the battery is not fully discharged before charging, small crystals will form on the electrodes and they will be less likely to accept an electrical charge. Thus, if the battery is not fully discharged one at a time, the operating time of the battery becomes shorter and shorter.
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