Lithium batteries are used in products, including handheld devices and children’s toys, all over the United States. These batteries are used in small and wearable electronic devices that rely on a power source that stores a high amount of energy in a small space, and can usually be recharged. Although most lithium batteries are typically safe when the product they are powering is safely designed, they have been known to cause injuries and large fires due to design defects or manufacturing in certain products.
According to OSHA, when lithium batteries fail to operate safely or are damaged, they may present a fire and/or explosion hazard. Lithium batteries have caused a number of fires and explosions in consumer products throughout the US in people’s homes and in recycling plants. Recycling plants are susceptible to these fires due to the improper disposal of the batteries. If they are crushed, destroyed, or damaged they can spark quickly and combust. Damages to the batteries can also occur when temperatures are too high or the environment is below freezing. If you need to dispose of a lithium battery, ensure you place them in a fire resistant container with sand or another extinguishing agent, and dispose of them in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
You may be wondering how a lithium battery explodes? In this video, 5 undamaged lithium-ion batteries can be seen catching fire, just from charging them.
On Saturday, November 12th, at least 38 were injured in a Manhattan apartment building fire that was caused by a lithium-ion battery that was inside a micro mobility device. There has been a major increase in these fires over the past few years. These fires come without warning and are extremely intense. The New York City Fire Department has counted nearly 200 fires and six fire deaths this year tied to problems with lithium-ion batteries.
You more than likely have a number of devices in your home with lithium batteries inside them. With the holidays coming up, many children’s toys have lithium batteries inside of them. Ensure the batteries are charged properly and stored in a cool, dry place at all times. Many manufacturers recommend you should also remove lithium-powered devices and batteries from the charger once they are fully charged.
Even with the proper procedures, faulty batteries or defectively designed or manufactured products containing the batteries can still cause injuries and fires. You can trust that we have the experience and knowledge to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable. Even with the proper procedures, faulty batteries can still cause injuries and fires. If you or a loved one have been injured or burned due to a lithium battery malfunction in South Carolina, call White, Davis, and White.