We have all heard about Lithium batteries as they are very common in use nowadays, spreading convenience in the innovative world from smartphones to laptops, watches, cars, and various other devices.
Everyday association with lithium batteries gives rise to numerous questions. What are lithium batteries? What are they made of?
Do they use harmful chemicals? Are the chemicals or other hazardous materials explosive? Are lithium battery injuries fatal? What are the safety measures that must be put in place? Do handlers of lithium batteries require any training? And so on…
This article is aimed at answering all these questions.
While convenience associated with lithium batteries is a plus, the hazards lithium batteries carry cannot be disregarded. So, while lithium batteries have made life for us very convenient, they can also be hazardous if not handled with care.
What is a Lithium Battery and How it works?
A cell is one electrochemical component while a battery is an electrochemical device comprised of various electrochemical cells linked together. Likewise, a lithium battery is a device that comprises several electrically connected lithium cells and can store a greater amount of energy than any other alkaline battery.
It is important to know what a lithium battery is made of and how it works.
A lithium battery comprises four components: a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte, and a separator.
A positive electrode cathode regulates the voltage and supplies lithium ions whereas an anode, which is a negative electrode, allows current flow via an external circuit and stores lithium ions once the battery is charged.
The electrolyte is a combination of salts and other solvents enabling an easy movement of lithium ions from the cathode to the anode. The separator keeps both the cathode and the anode distant from each other. The following are two major types of lithium batteries.
Lithium Metal Battery vs Lithium Ion Battery (Li-ion Battery)
Lithium Metal Battery – The easy-to-manufacture and pocket-friendly purchase lithium metal battery uses lithium metal (solidified form) as electrodes. Corrosion or oxidization is the process of generating an electric current in these metal batteries.
Its concept works on the dry cell phenomenon. The lithium metal batteries have a longer shelf life but once used cannot be recharged and are usually found in temperature data loggers, watches, calculators, car key fobs, flashlights, and defibrillators.
Lithium Ion Battery (Li-ion Battery) – The rechargeable lithium-ion battery also called li-ion battery contains lithium in ionic form in the electrolyte. The lithium-ion battery is used in rechargeable devices like smartphones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and electric cars.
Unlike lithium metal batteries, a Li-ion battery has comparably a shorter shelf life of around 3 years.
YES, Lithium batteries can be dangerous! Read below to learn more.
The 2 Main Types of Hazards Associated with the Use and Handling of Lithium Batteries.
According to OSHA, lithium batteries can be dangerous when they are damaged or defective.
Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB, 2019):
Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to malfunction (i.e., fail), but only so long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged, when lithium batteries fail to operate safely, they may present a fire or explosion hazard.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Status Report on High Energy Density Batteries Project states that above 25,000 fire incidents due to almost 400 types of lithium battery-powered products took place between January 2012 and July 2017 (2018).
Overall, two major types of lithium battery hazards have been identified by experts. Let’s dig into each in more detail.
Lithium Ion Battery Fires:
The electrolyte within the cell of the lithium-ion battery is flammable. This can cause a fire, usually while charging, or if it leaks out due to damage. The lithium battery fire is quite intense and difficult to put off.
Due to ignition, the gases that are released may spread the fire even faster. We all have been using lithium batteries every now and then in almost every other device, so it is necessary to know the causes of lithium battery ignition which are:
- Old/deteriorated battery
- Damaged battery
- A battery kept in extreme temperatures
- Overcharged battery
Thermal Runaway
The thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries is riskier. It is a mechanical failure due to overheating, over-charging, or over-discharging of the cells in the battery leading to a chemical reaction or an explosion.
Thermal runaway can be caused by over-charging or it occurs right after a lithium battery fire is extinguished leading to the lithium battery re-catching fire. The high temperatures cause exothermic putrefaction of the battery cell, which further can be a reason for bursting the battery, producing a thermal explosion.
Secondary Hazards Associated with Lithium Batteries
Apart from the above two main hazards of handling lithium batteries, there are some secondary hazards associated with a lithium battery as explained below.
- Lithium battery nearing the end of their life can be harmful to human beings and the environment if improperly handled as it contains lithium hexafluorophosphate, polypropylene diethylene, and other organic pollution-producing chemicals.
- The liquid electrolyte in the Li-ion battery can harm the human body in case it leaks. As it is volatile (easily evaporated), the released gases when inhaled can cause damage to the respiratory tract.
- The produced heat in the lithium battery may cause melting, and shrinkage between electrodes can cause both electrodes to come in contact with each other leading to a threat of very high heat and current generation.
- If the battery is charged too fast with any unauthorized fast charger that goes against the guidelines specified by the manufacturer, the excessive heating may cause the electrolyte to catch fire.
Ways to Avoid Damaging Lithium Ion and Metal Batteries
Studies show that a damaged lithium battery exposes users of lithium battery devices to greater hazards. The points below describe how a lithium battery gets damaged.
- If a lithium battery is stored at very high temperatures; i.e., 130 ͦF or above, or exposed to direct heat sources like heaters or flames, or even direct sunlight.
- If lithium batteries are stored at very low temperatures, usually below the freezing point.
- Dropping or puncturing the battery.
- Not using the battery according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Using unauthorized chargers to recharge lithium-ion batteries.
Be Safe from Lithium Battery Hazards!
Do you work with lithium batteries and take the necessary precaution of reducing exposure to lithium battery hazards? If not, do not panic because lithium battery injuries are preventable, and prevention is always better than cure.
General preventions for handling lithium batteries require the batteries and chargers to be tested and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for safe usage.
Lithium batteries should be stored in dry places and the temperature should not be either extremely hot or extremely cold.
Users and handlers of lithium batteries should comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. In case the lithium battery needs replacement, contact the authorized manufacturer and ensure the battery replaced is compatible with the device.
NEVER overcharge the battery! If any sign of damage like a crack, hissing, or leakage is found, remove the battery from the device, and place it away from flammables or keep it in a fire-resistant container.
In the event of a small lithium battery fire, ABC dry chemical extinguishers, or Class D fire extinguishers (for lithium metal batteries) should be used.
However, general preventions are not enough. Transporters and manufacturers of lithium batteries specifically require additional training in accordance with the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Internal Maritime Organization (IMO), and the Internal Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulation (IATA-DGR).
Training is a Key to Workers’ Safe Handling of Lithium Batteries
Workers handling lithium batteries have greater exposure to the risks associated with lithium batteries than other people. They are hence obligated to obtain proper training to minimize the hazards for them and for their coworkers.
Employees should have in-depth knowledge of lithium battery hazards. They must be trained adequately to identify the defects or damages in lithium batteries and ensure that the shipment is safe and complies with the necessary regulatory requirements.
OSHA states that employers are obligated to apprise employees of the lithium battery hazards and the workplace should have an emergency action plan (EAP) enabling workers to respond to lithium battery incidents.
Where needed, a worker must be able to verify NRTL certification regarding batteries, chargers, and related equipment (SHIB, 2019).
For better compliance with regulatory requirements, enroll now for the lithium battery safety training courses that best suit your organizational needs.
Courses by HAZWOPER OSHA Training are interestingly designed and aligned with U.S. DOT, ICAO/IATA, and IMO/IMDG regulatory requirements for safeguarding the health of employers and employees who are involved in shipping lithium batteries.
For more training options feel free to visit HAZWOPER OSHA