As New York City struggles with fires stemming from lithium-ion batteries, the FDNY is rolling out an education campaign on best practices for purchasing, using and disposing of the popular battery often found in electric bikes and scooters.
“Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased dramatically in New York City with fatal consequences,” begins a video tweeted from the FDNY’s Twitter account Friday morning.
If you are using a lithium-ion battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. If a battery overheats, discontinue use immediately. See more at https://t.co/NpwdRdDfdw pic.twitter.com/stHa1APcwE
The FDNY has opened 174 investigations into fires related to lithium-ion batteries from Jan. 1 to Oct. 21 of this year, the fire department said.
Throughout 2021, the fire department investigated a total of 104 lithium-ion battery-related fires, according to the FDNY.
So far this year, there have been 93 injuries and six deaths in fires involving lithium-ion batteries on Oct. 21, the FDNY said. That’s more than all of last year, when fires involving lithium-ion batteries caused 79 injuries and four deaths.
So what does the FDNY recommend New Yorkers do to be as safe as possible when using a device powered by lithium-ion batteries?
First, the FDNY says consumers buying devices with lithium-ion batteries should make sure the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories Mark, which shows the product has been safety tested.
The FDNY recommends always following the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage, never charging the battery under a pillow, on a bed or on a couch, and storing batteries away from anything flammable.
Batteries should be stored out of direct sunlight and at room temperature. In addition, you should always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.
Finally, if a battery overheats, emits an odor, changes shape or color, leaks or makes noises, the FDNY says you should call 911.
When it comes to disposal of lithium-ion batteries, it is strictly forbidden to throw them in the recycling bin and the garbage bin at home. Instead, the FDNY advises New Yorkers to take them to a battery recycling site or visit nyc.gov/batteries for other disposal instructions.
In July, the New York City Public Housing Authority said it was considering a new rule that would prohibit tenants and guests from storing e-bikes in its 177,000 apartments across the city. The move came after a series of fires caused by e-bike batteries.
The potential policy change drew pushback from advocates who said it could create challenges for food delivery workers who rely on e-bikes for their jobs and often store them in their living quarters.
“At this time, there is no rule in place, and therefore no date for implementation; and a decision has not yet been made on this proposed new rule while NYCHA works on next steps,” a NYCHA spokesperson said in a statement. “We are continuing our technical research and meeting with experts and stakeholders to determine the best course of action moving forward. The safety of our residents is our priority and we are working with our partners in the city to provide our residents with safe homes.”
On October 28, the city council’s committee for fire and preparedness will hold an oversight hearing on e-bikes and lithium-ion battery fire safety.
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Are safety data sheet required for lithium batteries?
The manufacturer or importer is also required to provide the SDS to downstream employers if it is known that workers may be exposed to a Li-ion battery’s physical or health hazard.
Do you need a poster for lithium batteries? Placards (chapter 5.3): The general rule for placards within the IMDG is: “if there is a label on the package, then a placard is required.” So if our packs of batteries are labeled with a class 9 lithium battery hazard label, we need a placard.
Are safety data sheets required for batteries?
Because all our batteries are defined as “articles”, they are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard; an MSDS is therefore not required.
Do batteries have MSDS sheets?
A battery safety data sheet will normally contain the following sections: Manufacturer identification and battery type (who made the battery and what type it is) List of possible hazards (this will include items such as: ‘possible fire risk’) Battery composition (materials/ingredients) â shows something restricted or dangerous)
Is a battery considered hazardous material?
Lithium batteries are regulated as a hazardous material under the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 C.F.R., Parts 171-180). The HMR applies to any material that the DOT determines may pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property when transported in commerce.
Are SDS sheets required?
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer to provide safety data sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information about these hazards.
What are the safety requirements for handling lithium batteries?
Store lithium batteries and devices in dry, cool places. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices. Inspect them for signs of damage such as dents/cracks, hissing, leaks, rising temperature and smoking before use, especially if they are portable.
How are lithium batteries hazardous?
Lithium batteries pose a fire hazard even when they are no longer usable in consumer equipment/products. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries have a greater potential than undamaged lithium batteries to short circuit, release heat, or even cause a fire.
What are the rules for lithium batteries?
Size limits: Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow almost all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices.
Are lithium batteries a health hazard?
Some potential lithium-ion battery materials are toxic, carcinogenic, or may undergo chemical reactions that produce dangerous heat or gases. Toxic materials include lithium compounds, nickel compounds, arsenic compounds, and dimethoxyethane.
What information is required to be listed on lithium battery marking?
(i) The mark must indicate the UN number: âUN3090â for lithium metal cells or batteries; or âUN3480â for lithium-ion cells or batteries. If the lithium cells or batteries are contained in or packed with equipment, the UN number âUN3091â or âUN3481,â as applicable, shall be indicated.
What important information is found on the battery label?
The information printed on the label The specifications highlighted on car battery labels include: Voltage: The standard voltage for a car battery is 12.7 V. Cold crank amps (CCA): A measure of the battery’s ability to start the engine in low temperature conditions, where the chemical reaction inside the battery slows down.
What information is required to be completed by the sender on a lithium battery Mark?
Sender must complete the phone number portion of the label. Only acceptable at dangerous goods locations. Acceptable in most places. Only acceptable at dangerous goods locations.
How do I know if my item has a lithium battery?
Primary lithium batteries may be labeled “Lithium;” button/coin cells may begin with (CR###). Primary lithium batteries (non-rechargeable) can be found as AA/AAA, C, D, coin/button cell and 9v. They are beginning to replace many regular alkaline batteries because they last longer.
How are lithium battery fires extinguished?
Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, will not work on lithium battery fires. The only way to extinguish a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water. A lithium fire blanket will safely insulate a lithium fire battery for hours until it can be flooded and extinguished.
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How do you put down lithium fire?
Small lithium-ion batteries can be doused with water because they contain little lithium metal. Lithium-metal battery fires can be extinguished with a Class D fire extinguisher. Larger battery fires are best handled with a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC, powdered graphite, copper powder or sodium carbonate.
How do firefighters put out a lithium battery fire? Lithium-ion battery fires are Class B fires, indicating the presence of flammable liquids, so a standard dry chemical or ABC fire extinguisher can extinguish them. Lithium battery fire extinguishers counteract the liquid electrolytes in the battery that create conductive paths.
How do you extinguish a phone fire?
If your device is on fire:
- Call emergency services ASAP.
- Put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
- If a fire extinguisher is not available: The US Department of Transportation recommends water spray as an effective extinguishing agent. …
- Make sure your device is UNPLUGGED before pouring water over it.
How do you extinguish a laptop fire?
For best results when extinguishing a lithium-ion fire, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC dry chemical, powdered graphite, copper powder, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other flammable fires.
How do you extinguish a lead acid battery fire?
Lead-acid batteries do not burn or burn with difficulty. Firefighters should cool the exterior of the battery with water spray if exposed to fire to prevent rupture and extinguish the fire with an agent suitable for surrounding combustible materials. Be careful not to apply water to sulfuric acid as it will react violently.
Why is it so hard to put out lithium fires?
As firefighters have discovered in recent years, lithium-ion battery fires are prone to reoccurrence. This is because the lithium salts in the battery are self-oxidizing, which means they cannot be “starved out” like a traditional fire.
How do you put out a vape fire?
For best results when extinguishing a lithium-ion fire, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC dry chemical, powdered graphite, copper powder, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other flammable fires.
Can you put water on a battery fire?
Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, will not work on lithium battery fires. The only way to extinguish a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water.
What happens if you put a lithium battery in water?
Do not expose the battery to water or moisture. Water can corrode or damage the internal battery safety devices and cause the battery to overheat, catch fire, burst or leak.
How do you put out a vape battery fire?
For best results when extinguishing a lithium-ion fire, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC dry chemical, powdered graphite, copper powder, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other flammable fires. Reserve only Class D extinguishers for lithium metal fires.
What happens when lithium touches water?
Lithium reacts intensely with water to form lithium hydroxide and highly flammable hydrogen. The colorless solution is highly alkaline. The exothermic reactions last longer than the reaction of sodium and water, which is directly below lithium in the periodic chart.
Why does lithium react badly with water? Because lithium is more electronegative than all other alkali metals. Alkali metals react with water by losing electrons and forming a hydroxide.
Is lithium toxic in water?
Get tested | Lithium. Like many contaminants in drinking water, this element is potentially hazardous at levels or concentrations that do not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or appearance to the water.
Is lithium poisonous to humans?
At 10 mg/L blood, a person is easily lithium poisoned. At 15 mg/L they experience confusion and difficulty speaking, and at 20 mg/L Li there is a risk of death. A provisional recommended daily intake of 14.3 microg/kg body weight of lithium for an adult has been proposed.
What happens when lithium is reacted with water?
Lithium reacts intensely with water to form lithium hydroxide and highly flammable hydrogen. The colorless solution is highly alkaline. The exothermic reactions last longer than the reaction of sodium and water, which is directly below lithium in the periodic chart.
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