By Graham Crichton
We use lithium batteries in many devices in everyday life. Commonly, we use them in our phones, laptops, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, whipper snippers, chain saws, power drills, bicycles and scooters.
Unfortunately, many Lithium-ion batteries catch fire with frightening consequences. Both Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority attend many house fires each week caused by Lithium-ion batteries.
Purchasing a device.
When buying an item such as above, always purchase a reputable known brand from a reputable dealer.
Always use the correct charger for the item. Never mix chargers.
If you decide to purchase a spare battery, or charger, always purchase the identical product. It is very risky to buy a cheap “look alike” item over the internet.
You could be buying trouble.
When and where to charge your devices.
The rules are fairly simple.
Never charge a device when you are asleep or not in attendance.
It is ways best to charge on a non-flammable surface with non- flammable materials well away from the process. For example, don’t charge a phone near curtains or on the bed.
Set an alarm to sound when you judge that the device will be charged. Turn the charger off and remove the device.
For larger batteries such as bikes or scooters, do not charge these in the house or unit or on the verandah. When you are home, charge them away from buildings on a lead. As before, set an alarm to let you know that the charge time is completed. Turn off the charger and remove the battery.
Preferably, store the bike or scooter away from buildings and never near exit or entry doors to your house. In case of battery fire, your exit may be blocked.
Closely inspect your battery and charger for defects or damage such as it being surprisingly hot, warped, cracked or leaking.
These are danger signs.
Disposal of damaged batteries.
This is a difficult problem as Lithium-ion batteries are generally not accepted at most battery disposal venues.
Never dispose of these batteries in your rubbish bin. Rubbish truck fires due to incorrect battery disposals are very common.
Yarra Ranges and Knox Council recommends reading about the b-cycle program.
The link is https://b-cycle.com.au/drop-off/
Both Councils have further information on their waste guide pages, which may be updated as required.
https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Waste/Hazardous-Waste-Disposal
https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/WasteGuide
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) website also has excellent information about Lithium-ion batteries as does RACV who have recently posted excellent information on dealing with Lithium-ion batteries.
