Lithium-ion battery safety

About lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that power almost all:

• laptops
• mobile phones
• e-bikes
• e-scooters
• power banks
• power tools
• cordless equipment.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common batteries used in rechargeable devices. This is due to their:

• small size
• high energy density
• better power efficiency than other battery types.

Lithium-ion batteries are more dangerous than traditional batteries because of their chemical components.

Risks when using lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable.

They can cause fires and explosions leading to:

• property damage
• serious injuries
• deaths.

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if they're incorrectly:

• manufactured
• handled
• stored
• disposed of.

A lithium-ion battery fire is very difficult to extinguish as it may reignite and sometimes takes days to extinguish.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) saw a 92% increase in reports of incidents and fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in the 5 years to 2022.

How to safely use lithium-ion batteries

It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Buying products

Always:

• buy products that contain lithium-ion batteries from a known supplier
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Never:

• directly import products that contain lithium-ion batteries or replacement lithium-ion batteries from overseas.

Handling and storing a lithium-ion battery product

Always:

• store lithium-ion batteries and equipment, like electric scooters, in cool dry places out of direct sunlight
• allow the lithium-ion battery to cool after use and before recharging
• only buy replacement batteries from the original supplier.

Never:

• use lithium-ion batteries, products or chargers that are showing signs of failure such as:
  • overheating
  • swelling
  • leaking
  • emitting an odour.
• leave lithium-ion batteries or products in hot places such as in parked vehicles
• repurpose batteries from one product to another.

Charging a lithium-ion battery

Always:

• use chargers supplied or recommended by the product manufacturer
• ensure the battery charger has the regulatory compliance mark:

• check devices while they are charging
• unplug products and chargers when the battery is fully charged
• charge lithium-ion batteries or products on a non-flammable surface, such as concrete, ceramic, or steel
• check that chargers are not physically damaged.

Never:

• mix and match chargers and products containing lithium-ion batteries
• leave lithium-ion batteries or products unattended for long periods while charging
• charge lithium-ion batteries or products on a flammable surface such as a bed, sofa, blanket or curtains
• charge your equipment in a bedroom or an area that might block your exit
• use a charger if it appears damaged.

Disposing of a lithium-ion battery product

For information about where and how to dispose of used batteries, see:

• B-cycle
• Planet Ark
• Mobile Muster
• Australian Battery Recycler's Initiative

More information

• Country Fire Authority – Charging and battery safety
• Fire Rescue Victoria – Battery safety

ACCC report into lithium-ion batteries

The ACCC has released a report Lithium-ion batteries - Issues paper

This paper examines:

• the current lithium-ion battery market and regulatory landscape
• the risks and hazards in the lithium-ion battery life cycle
• available incident data.

The report makes a series of recommendations to improve lithium-ion battery safety outcomes.

Key recommendations include:

• enhancing consumer awareness on lithium-ion battery risks
• advocating for change to the electrical safety framework
• expanding data collection around hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries
• promoting lithium-ion battery disposal and recycling options.

Reporting incidents

We encourage the community to report incidents or injuries involving lithium-ion batteries:

Lodge an incident report