The average modern UK household has many items containing lithium-ion batteries – these are batteries that can be recharged and range from mobile phones, vaping devices, e-bikes and scooters, vacuum cleaners, even tablets, iPads, and ear pods.
These batteries can be extremely dangerous, if not handled and cared for properly. However, there are simple measures you can make to keep you and your family safer and reduce the risk of fire:
Key messages on how to stay safe!
- Always read the safety instructions that came with your device.
- Let your lithium battery powered Tech run flat on a regular basis and recharge from flat to maintain battery health.
- Always use the charger that came with your phone, tablet, or e-cigarette. If you need to replace your charger, always choose the correct branded product from a trusted supplier.
- Avoid buying cheap chargers online, there are a lot of fakes on the market, and it can be difficult to spot the difference, (buying cheap chargers is never cost effective in the long run!).
- Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
- Do not charge batteries that are damaged, dented, crushed, or punctured. Never charge if the battery had been dropped in water.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge e.g., don’t leave your phone plugged in overnight, (or under a pillow / on the bed charging).
- Never charge lithium batteries when you are sleeping, or if you are leaving the home.
- Don’t charge anything in a corridor or room that provides the only means of escape.
- Make sure there are working smoke alarms in your home and in any room where charging takes place.
- Charge the device on a flat, solid, and stable surface, such as a kitchen worktop.
- Only charge in a room where you can close the door to prevent smoke spread.
- In the event of a fire, get out, stay out, call 999.
For more on e-bike and e-scooter safety.
