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Fire and EMS

Battery Safety

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) strives to advance fire safety knowledge and strategies in order to create safer environments. FSRI is advancing battery safety knowledge to help you use and enjoy your devices safely. Their message of "Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety" covers the key elements you need to know.

Choose certified products

  • When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements.
  • Countless products sold online do not meet these critical safety standards.

Handle with care

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product. 
  • Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits and anything flammable.
  • Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) away from your exit path and outside your home if possible. 
  • Do not charge larger devices overnight.

Always stay alert for warning signs

  • Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures.
  • Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds.
  • Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor.
  • If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion battery-powered device immediately.
  • White or gray wispy smoke indicates there is immediate danger of fire.

Recycle batteries and devices properly

  • Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center.
  • Never discard batteries, chargers or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.

Get out quickly if there's a fire

  • Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see – or hear – them.
  • Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately and call 9-1-1.

Educate others about battery safety

  • Now that you know what actions to take, spread the word about lithium-ion battery safety and help protect your friends and loved ones.
BatteryFireSafety.org

E-Scooters and Micro-mobility devices at Clemson University

E-scooters and micro-mobility devices are prohibited from being inside any Clemson facilities. Charging of e-scooters and micro-mobility devices is prohibited on campus as well.

Learn More >>

LiPo Battery Safety

Charging lithium-ion polymer batteries, known as LiPo batteries, can pose unique challenges and must be done carefully. These batteries are typically found in drones or other remote-control devices like cars or planes. Follow these tips to safely store, charge and dispose of LiPo batteries.

  • Storage
    • Keep the minimum quantity of batteries on hand as possible. It can be difficult to properly monitor and maintain storage voltage on numerous batteries. Also, in the event of a battery fault resulting in rapid battery overheating, heat from a single battery cell can cause additional battery cells and battery packs to overheat and possibly ignite.
    • Promptly coordinate disposal of batteries that are no longer functioning properly, damaged, or not needed.
    • All lithium batteries should be stored in a dedicated area clear of combustible materials.
      • When more than a few lithium batteries must be kept within a given area, they should be stored in a vented metal flammable liquids or metal acid storage cabinet that is strictly dedicated to the storage of lithium batteries.
        • No other hazardous or combustible materials shall be stored in or on the cabinet.
        • The cabinet should help to contain a battery fire within the cabinet and prevent spread to the building or contents.
        • Maintain at least a 2-inch clearance around the cabinet.
        • The cabinet vents must be kept open to allow fire-generated gasses to escape. Additional clearance from combustible materials must be provided around the vents.
        • Label the outside of the cabinet to indicate that it contains lithium batteries.
      • When only a few lithium polymer batteries are needed within a given location, storage within lithium battery safety bags/containers is recommended.
        • They are usually labeled as LiPo Guard or LiPo Safe, etc.
        • The storage bags/containers shall be stored in areas clear of combustible materials.
        • Larger batteries should be kept in a dedicated bag/container.
        • Placing multiple large batteries in a single bag/container can result in an aggressive fire that can burn through it.
        • Use caution when purchasing battery safety bags/containers. Only purchase through known reputable vendors to help ensure that they are of adequate quality to help contain a battery fire.
    • Rechargeable lithium batteries should not be stored at full charge.
      • If the batteries are not going to be used within a short timeframe (well within one week) it is best to discharge them to approximately 3.8 volts per cell.
      • Most chargers have a storage setting to charge or discharge the battery to this voltage. Battery voltage should never drop below 3.0 volts or the battery may be irreversibly damaged.
      • Best practice is to not let voltage drop below 3.5 volts.
    • If there is a need to store lithium batteries while away from the laboratory, set up an area free of combustible materials and keep the batteries within the lithium battery safety bags/containers or a metal container such as an ammunition can with the lid seal removed and some sand in the bottom to insulate from the surface it is sitting upon.
      • Label the outside of the can to indicate the type of batteries in the container.
    • Inspect all batteries at least weekly.
      • Any batteries with damaged or swollen casings must be segregated from other batteries and combustible materials and placed in a safe location.
  • Charging
    • Never charge batteries unattended.
    • Never charge batteries inside vehicles.
    • Charge batteries individually. Do not charge in parallel. Battery packs designed to be connected together in series should be charged in the use configuration.
    • Place LiPo batteries in a lithium battery safety bag/container while charging.
    • Designate a charging area.
      • The area must be free of combustible materials and preferably located under a sprinkler head.
      • This also applies where charging takes place while traveling or otherwise away from the laboratory.
    • Maintain as much space as possible between charging batteries to avoid fire propagation between batteries.
    • Use a quality charger. Consider the following:
      • Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer or one that is specifically recommended for your device.
      • Ability to charge various types of batteries including NiMH, Ni-Cd, and Lead Acid as well as lithium if needed.
      • Ability to charge multiple batteries simultaneously.
      • Provision for balancing the voltage between each battery cell during charging.
      • Various charging voltage options - Full (4.2v), Storage (3.8) and Discharge (0) for safe disposal.
    • Let batteries cool down to ambient temperature before charging.
    • Ensure LiPo cell voltage balancing cable is connected. This keeps the cell voltage constant across each cell in the battery pack. If the cells are not balanced, one cell’s voltage can drop below the 3.0 volt minimum, which can damage the battery.
    • Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging instructions.
      • Pay particular attention to the maximum charging rate for the battery.
      • If it is not listed, the maximum charge rate should be 1C or 1 x capacity of the battery in amps.
      • For example, a 1500 mAh battery, the maximum charge rate would be 1.5 amps.
    • Monitor the battery during charging.
      • If any swelling of the casing is detected, stop charging, place the battery in a safe location away from other batteries and combustible materials and monitor for at least one hour. Use an infra-red thermometer to monitor the battery temperature during this period. Contact OES for battery disposal.
    • A fully charged lithium battery cell is 4.2 volts. Storage charge is approximately 3.8 volts. Battery voltage should never drop below 3.0 volts.
  • Handling and Use
    • General
      • Li-Ion and LiPo batteries cannot tolerate short-circuiting.
      • Ensure the areas where batteries are handled are free of conductive surfaces and tools/objects as well as sharp edges that can penetrate the soft LiPo battery cell covering.
      • Do not wear metal jewelry such as watches, bracelets, rings and pendants that can cause a short circuit.
    • Handling
      • Do not expose batteries to excessive physical shock or vibration.
      • Use care when inserting/removing LiPo batteries into equipment to avoid damaging the soft battery casing.
    • Personal Protective Equipment
      • Wear safety glasses while handling batteries.
    • Physical Damage
      • Any battery cells or battery packs observed to be dented or otherwise damaged upon receipt or through use, shall not be used since there is increased likelihood of an internal short occurring. Place the damaged battery in a safe location away from other batteries and combustible materials. Contact OES for disposal.

A lithium-ion polymer battery in front of a white background.