Give Thought to Lithium-Ion Batteries

Ever since I was a kid, batteries were problematic. Years ago, we used lead acid batteries. The batteries were used to operate all our toys. One problem was that they leaked. I soon learned that to save my toys, I had to carefully wash and dry the battery terminals with baking soda, dried the unit and carefully abraded the terminals to expose the tin metal contacts. Once again, we were good to go!

Nickel Metal Hydride and Pro High Capacity NiMh batteries are common to photographers. They work well and offer little problems. I used rechargeable batteries with little problems, only finding I had to keep track of when the batteries were last charged.

As our electronics became more sophisticated, so did the need for more power. Lithium-ion batteries took over the playing field. I first heard of the problems with these batteries when they were used in laptop computers. Defective batteries could overheat, catch fire, and even explode. This posed a danger when the user charged batteries on beds and under pillows.

So, what is the problem? As technology grew, so did the problems. We soon learned that it was difficult to extinguish fire from Lithium-Ion batteries. It was so difficult that firefighters had to become creative when extinguishing this type of product.

When you read Fire News, look at the increasing number of Lithium-Ion battery fires. Thanks to our photographers who point out fires in which E-Scooters were removed from the occupancy.

Firefighters are using copious amounts of water to knock down the flames. They are also are using large non-conductive plastic buckets to submerge the E-Bike into, to aid in extinguishment of the fire. Firefighters are making the effort to remove the E-Bikes into the street where they can be fully extinguished. I am also observing that HazMat units are responding to these calls on a regular basis.

I am happy to see firefighters question the violent blue-green arc that is seen more frequently in car fires. As the magnesium yoke around the steering column begins to burn, crews quickly learn that the magnesium yoke can explode. Crews are becoming aware of the importance of switching to a foam operation. If the high temperature of the burning yoke is not extinguished, you risk the high heat condition taking over the car and causing the fuel tank to rupture. It is no fun to watch fuel flow down the street toward a parked car.

Be prepared for the unexpected, we will look at battery incidents thought the year. Let’s hope that a safer battery is available in the future.

As more and more training classes are provided, look to attend seminars at your local fire academy or trade show, on the Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Stay safe and continue to wear your SelfContained Breathing Apparatus!

- Dennis