When lithium-ion batteries fail they can get very hot very fast. They can burst violently, hiss and release toxic, flammable and explosive gases. This can cause a very intense fire that is difficult to put out.
What is a lithium-ion battery?
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can store a large amount of energy in a smaller space than traditional batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes for use in many portable devices, including:
- Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes, e-scooters, electric mobility devices and hoverboards
- Toys, drones and cameras
- Power tools
- Laptops, mobile phones, tablets and smart watches
- Vapes and e-cigarettes
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Home energy storage systems (home solar batteries).
Lithium-ion batteries may have some form of marking, such as ‘lithium-ion’, ‘Li-ion’, ‘li-po’, ‘lithium-polymer’ or ‘Li+’.
Buy smart, charge safe.
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?
Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. They can catch fire if they are:
- Overcharged
- Charged using a charger that doesn’t meet Australian Standards
- Left somewhere very hot
- Damaged
- Not working properly.
If a battery or device is smoking, flaming or melting, Get out and stay out and dial Triple Zero (000) immediately!
Charge it, monitor it, unplug it.
Unplug devices once fully charged. DO NOT leave batteries to charge unattended, or when you are sleeping.
NEVER charge devices on soft furniture or under pillows. Charge devices on flat surfaces, away from flammable items.
Only use supplied batteries and chargers, or alternatives recommended by the manufacturer that meet Australian Standards.
Look for these symbols when buying electrical goods, including chargers.
Light Electric Vehicles (LEV)
Light electric vehicles (LEV) include electric bikes (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), electric mobility scooters and items such as hoverboards, electric skateboards and monoboards.
When you charge the Lithium-ion batteries for your vehicle:
- Only use battery chargers that are recommended by the manufacturer
- Check that your charger has the Regulatory Compliance Mark to show that it has met the relevant Australian Standards
- Don’t leave batteries or LEVs unattended
- Once the battery is fully charged disconnect it from the charger
- Allow time for batteries to cool down after use and before recharging
- Don’t charge your batteries or LEVs in living areas
- Batteries and LEVs should be charged in a well-ventilated area such as outside in a garage or a car port
- Don’t store batteries or LEVs in areas where they may get hot or wet
- Don’t charge batteries or LEVs on bedding or lounges - only charge on solid, non flammable surfaces
- Don’t charge batteries or LEVs in direct sunlight or anywhere hot
- Don’t leave batteries or LEV in parked vehicles where they can quickly build up heat
- Never charge a battery or LEV that is showing signs of damage or is hot.
If you charge batteries or LEVs in a garage or shed, make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed.
Electric cars, e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility devices should be charged in a garage, shed or carport away from living spaces and flammable materials.
DO NOT charge or store batteries in exit paths.
Hot tips
- Ensure working smoke alarms are installed in areas where batteries are charged and stored.
- Be aware of cheap imitations. Only buy lithium-ion batteries and chargers that meet Australian Standards from reputable suppliers.
- Allow time for large batteries to cool down after use and before recharging.
- DO NOT use batteries that show signs of swelling, bulging, leaking, overheating, or damage (e.g. cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed). Treat them with caution when handled or moved.
- DO NOT dispose of batteries or devices in waste or recycling bins. Contact your local council for instructions for where and how to dispose of or recycle batteries.