LITHIUM-ION batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW
They power phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools and even vacuum cleaners.
“Lithium batteries make life more convenient, but when things go wrong, they go wrong fast,” Coffs Harbour FRNSW Acting Station Officer Tim George told News Of The Area.
Fires caused by these batteries can explode, releasing toxic, flammable gases that ignite rapidly and make fires difficult to control and incredibly hard to put out.
Station Officer George shared some important yet simple safety steps for each stage of a battery’s life cycle: shop, charge and recycle.
– Always buy lithium-ion battery products from a trusted source. Cheaper, knock-off batteries can be dangerous.
– If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
– Check the ACCC Product Safety website to see if there’s an active recall.
– Look for compliance labels. Make sure the batteries don’t show signs of damage and check for standards labelling.
– If you’re uncertain about a lithium-ion battery product’s quality, don’t take the risk.
– New regulations introduced on 1 February, require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards to meet strict safety standards (new testing, certification, and marking requirements).
– Charge safely. Never charge while you’re asleep or out of the house – fires can start in seconds.
– Keep chargers away from doorways. You don’t want a fire blocking your way out.
– Charge on hard surfaces, not beds or couches as soft materials can catch fire easily.
– Use the right charger. Cheap or mismatched chargers can overheat batteries.
– Check for damage. If a battery is swollen, leaking, or overheating, stop using it immediately.
– Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells and store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
– Install smoke alarms in places where you charge your devices and test that your smoke alarms are working.
– Recycle safely
– Dispose of old batteries properly.
– Never throw batteries in the bin. They can catch fire in garbage trucks or waste facilities.
– Recycle. Many retail stores, supermarkets, and Community Recycling Centres across NSW accept them.
For further information, visit: fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe.
By Andrea FERRARI
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