718 Fire Prevention Plans

Flammable and Combustible Materials

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Hazards

Electric vehicles include cars, trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), scooters, and bicycles. Millions of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are now on U.S. roads. Many use lithium-ion batteries, which can present serious fire hazards if damaged, overheated, or improperly charged.

Reduce the Risk

Lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles can involve thermal runaway, intense heat, toxic and flammable gases, and the potential for reignition.

Class D fire extinguishers are designed for combustible metal fires and are generally not appropriate for lithium-ion battery fires. Firefighters commonly use large quantities of water to cool burning battery packs and control thermal runaway.

Because EV battery fires can be difficult to control and may involve high-voltage electrical hazards, employees should evacuate the area, call 911, and allow trained emergency responders to handle the situation.

Lithium-ion Mobile Phones

Lithium-ion battery fires in mobile phones pose several dangers. If punctured, damaged, or exposed to high temperatures, lithium-ion batteries can undergo a process called "thermal runaway," potentially causing the battery to explode or produce flames that can release toxic fumes, including hydrofluoric acid and other harmful chemicals, which are harmful when inhaled and can irritate the eyes and skin. Direct exposure to the heat can cause severe burns. A burning phone can ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to larger fires that can damage property and endanger lives. If not disposed of properly, damaged batteries can leak harmful substances into the environment.

Extinguishing a lithium-ion phone fire requires extreme caution due to the volatile nature of the battery. Here's a brief guide:

• Safety First: The safest approach to a Class L lithium-ion battery fire is to evacuate the area, call emergency services, and allow trained firefighters to control the fire.
• Use Water for Cooling: Water can cool lithium-ion batteries and help prevent thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent cells. However, employees should not attempt firefighting unless trained and conditions are safe.
• Smothering the Fire: Don't use Class D extinguishers. They are intended for combustible metal fires, not typical lithium-ion battery fires. Sand and baking soda are not reliable methods of stopping thermal runaway. Smothering visible flames may not stop the internal chemical reactions that generate heat.
• Ventilate the Area: Lithium-ion battery fires can release toxic and flammable gases, including hydrogen fluoride. Employees should evacuate rather than remain inside to ventilate the area. Reentry and ventilation should be managed by emergency responders or qualified personnel.
• Handling the Device: Wait for the device to cool down completely before attempting to handle or dispose of it. Even after the fire is out, the battery remains hazardous and can reignite.
• Seek Professional Disposal: After a fire, the phone should be properly disposed of at a hazardous waste facility. Do not throw it in regular trash.

Battery Disposal

The proper steps for disposal of lithium batteries include:

• Collection: Store used lithium batteries in a designated, fire-resistant container. Tape over the battery terminals to prevent short circuits.
• Drop-off: Take them to an approved recycling facility, hazardous waste collection center, or retailer that accepts lithium batteries.
• Transportation: Follow U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules for packaging and labeling if transporting large quantities.
• Documentation: Keep disposal records as required by the organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS).

For more information on preventing lithium-ion battery fires, visit OSHA's Preventing Fire and/or Explosion Injury from Small and Wearable Lithium Battery Powered Devices.

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