Lithium-ion batteries may present several health and safety hazards during manufacturing, use, emergency response, disposal, and recycling.
Are lithium-ion batteries a fire hazard?
Although manufacturing incorporates several safety stages throughout the aging and charging protocol, lithium-ion battery cells are susceptible to fire hazards. These safety challenges vary depending on the specific manufacturing environment, but common examples include:
It's important to be aware of the other safety hazards either directly linked to or potentially associated with the use, storage and / or handling of lithium-ion batteries: Electrical hazards / safety - high voltage cabling and components capable of delivering a potentially fatal electric shock.
How can lithium-ion batteries prevent workplace hazards?
Whether manufacturing or using lithium-ion batteries, anticipating and designing out workplace hazards early in a process adoption or a process change is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Damage to lithium batteries can occur immediately or over a period of time, from physical impact, exposure to certain temperatures, and/or improper charging. Physical impacts that can damage lithium batteries include dropping, crushing, and puncturing.
How can lithium-ion battery manufacturing reduce hazard escalation?
Emergency response plans and training sessions would also be developed to ensure personnel is prepared in the incident of a fire. These measures collectively enhance fire safety design and reduce the likelihood of hazard escalation. Lithium-ion battery manufacturing is a complex process that faces inherent fire hazards.
How do you manage a lithium-ion battery hazard?
Specific risk control measures should be determined through site, task and activity risk assessments, with the handling of and work on batteries clearly changing the risk profile. Considerations include: Segregation of charging and any areas where work on or handling of lithium-ion batteries is undertaken.