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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Information and Resources

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with daily. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored. NFPA® offers several resources that provide information to promote safer use of lithium-ion batteries across a wide range of applications, from cellphones to vehicles to energy storage systems.

SMALLER DEVICES AND ELECTRONICS

Is charging your cellphone or other personal electronic device under your pillow unsafe? How do you properly dispose of old laptop batteries? This safety tip sheet from NFPA answers these questions and more. The free, downloadable asset provides valuable safety information for the public on lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on smaller devices such as cellphones, laptops, e-cigarettes, and e-bikes. This tip sheet is also available in Spanish.

Download the Safety Tip Sheet

E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS

For e-bikes and e-scooters specifically, this webpage from NFPA provides information and safety tips for this emerging mode of transportation. Download a safety tip sheet and access videos, blogs, and more on this page. 

Visit the E-Bikes Safety Page

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

 

Experts predict the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States will grow by more than eight times over the next 10 years, surpassing 25 million vehicles on the road. Currently, many EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries. For firefighters, EV fires involving lithium-ion batteries are some of the most challenging incidents to respond to. NFPA offers online training courses for first responders, members of the public, charging station installers, and others as they adjust to a world increasingly populated by alternative fuel vehicles. Explore these trainings, videos, and more educational resources from NFPA at nfpa.org/ev.

EV fires have been known to burn longer than fires involving traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles, with instances of EV fires reigniting hours, or even days, after the initial fire is controlled. Typically, these blazes take more water to extinguish, too, and it can be difficult for responders to apply water to areas it is needed.

Learn More About EV Responder Training

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

 

An energy storage system (ESS) is a device or group of devices capable of storing energy to supply electricity at a later time. Lithium-ion batteries are often used in an ESS because they are good at storing energy. This webpage from NFPA includes frequently asked questions about ESS as well as a free, downloadable fact sheet that further explains the safety hazards energy storage systems can present.

NFPA Leaders Speak Up

Jim PauleyIn an article recently published by CNN, NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley addressed the threat of e-bike fires and fires involving other lithium-ion technologies. “Solving complex fire and life safety problems demands a comprehensive approach that includes regulatory action for using and enforcing codes and standards, well-trained and resourced first responders, and public education on the threat and actions that can be taken to avoid harm,” Pauley wrote in the article. Read the full opinion piece—“E-bike and e-scooter battery fires are killing people. Here’s how to save lives.”—on CNN.com.

 

NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy Lorraine Carli was a key voice at a July 27 forum hosted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to discuss the safety challenges of a growing e-mobility industry. In her comments to CPSC, Carli acknowledged the increasing challenges of fire and electrical hazards in particular and urged a comprehensive approach to deal with this emerging fire threat. Watch Carli speak in the video below, and read a blog from NFPA about the recent forum.

Additional Resources