Lithium-ion batteries play an important part in everyday life and have become the industry standard for rechargeable batteries that are common in many home electronics such as smartphones, laptops, toys, scooters, etc.
When lithium-ion batteries overheat, are used the wrong way, or are defective, they are prone to swelling which can result in injuries and fires.
Use these safety tips to help avoid lithium-ion battery injuries:
- Only use batteries that are designed for the device in use. Check the manual or the manufacturer website the size and type of batteries to use.
- Do not store or charge your device around flammable or combustible materials, such as flammable liquids, wood, plastic, or paper. Remove flammables and combustibles from the charging or storage area.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging.
- Only charge your device with the power cord or charging method designed for the device.
- Never leave a battery pack or device unobserved during charging unless manufacturer instructions state a device can remain connected to a power supply.
- When it comes to e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, the safest place to charge these devices is outdoors away from any structure or enclosure and not in direct sunlight
- Keep batteries at room temperature. Never keep Li-ion batteries near heat sources or in high temperatures, such as direct sunlight, hot cars, heating utilities, etc.
- If you notice signs that the battery has a problem, such as overheating,
odor, leaks, bulging, or change in color/shape, shut off the device and move
it away from anything that can catch on fire. If you notice signs that the battery has a problem, such as overheating, odor, leaks, bulging, or change in color/shape, shut off the device and move it away from anything that can catch on fire.- If the device is a work issued device, notify the help desk as soon as possible at 608-262-7653 or email helpdesk@support.wisconsin.edu.
- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. This causes pollution and
can be a fire hazard. Used lithium-ion batteries should be taken to a battery
recycling location, hazardous waste roundup, or contact your local waste
management service provider for disposal instructions.
The Help Desk is looking to remove potentially dangerous devices from the UWSA system’s IT infrastructure. If you or anyone around you possess one of such devices please alert the help desk as soon as possible at 608-262-7653 or via email helpdesk@support.wisconsin.edu. We will reach out and set up a new device to swap out that defective device as soon as possible.