Essential components of electronic devices, electric mobility, and smartphones, lithium batteries are now at the heart of many industries. While their energy efficiency and lightweight nature make them the preferred storage solution, they also conceal real dangers. Every year, new incidents reveal a lack of awareness surrounding the risks they pose.

In response to this reality, Batteries Prod is committed to supporting businesses by offering specialized training. The goal is to raise awareness about best practices to prevent accidents related to the use of lithium-ion batteries.

Understanding the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Their omnipresence makes it essential to understand the risks they carry in order to reduce the number of incidents. The main danger is electrical, and several factors can trigger it:

A short circuit
Overcharging
Mechanical shock

These risks, if not managed properly, can lead to serious consequences for users handling these batteries. According to the Bureau of Risk and Pollution Analysis (Barpi), 36 incidents involving lithium batteries have been recorded since the 2000s. This number is significant, but it only reflects officially reported events. This highlights the growing importance of preventing risks associated with the use, charging, and storage of lithium-ion batteries.

Case study: The Aricell factory incident

The incident that occurred in June 2024 at the Aricell factory in South Korea is a stark example of the lack of training. In this particular case, the use of a water extinguisher exacerbated the situation, intensifying the fire instead of putting it out. Had a powder extinguisher, specifically designed for metal fires, been used, the damage could have been minimized.

This event underscores the importance of operator training. Educating them on proper practices is essential to enable them to react effectively in the event of an incident.

What are the causes of these incidents?

Lithium-ion battery incidents can stem from several sources, including:

Internal short circuit: A manufacturing defect or internal degradation of the battery can cause a short circuit. This leads to a rapid rise in temperature inside the cells, increasing the risk of explosion or fire.

Overcharging: Using an inappropriate charger can cause overcharging, significantly raising the battery’s temperature, which may result in dangerous overheating.

Mechanical shock: A battery damaged by a shock (fall or impact) can suffer internal degradation. This disrupts the balance of the cells and increases the risk of failures, such as overcharging or short circuits.

Deep discharge: If a battery is left unused or uncharged for an extended period, it may experience a deep discharge. In some cases, this situation makes the battery unusable.

Important to note:
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have a unique characteristic: they can reignite at any moment due to internal chemical reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to know the proper safety measures.

For more information on lithium-ion batteries, check out our dedicated article: What You Need to Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Risks related to lithium-ion battery manufacturing

The risks of lithium batteries are not limited to improper use. A faulty manufacturing process can also lead to significant risks. During production, quality and safety standards are not always adhered to. This can result in defects, such as poor-quality cells or faulty battery management systems (BMS).

Safety measures for lithium-ion batteries

Risk prevention associated with lithium-ion batteries relies on adopting good practices during their use, charging, and storage. Here are the essential measures to minimize danger:

Use a compatible charger: Choosing the right charger is critical. An incompatible charger can overheat the battery. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s specifications and use a charger designed for the battery’s technology and voltage.

Monitor during charging: A battery should never be charged unattended. Depending on the type of device, the battery’s temperature should be regularly monitored to avoid any overheating risk.

Avoid flammable materials: Batteries should never be charged near flammable materials. A well-ventilated and secure space is crucial to minimize risks in case of overheating.

Check after a shock: If a battery has been subjected to a shock, it must be thoroughly inspected before further use. If in doubt, it is safer to remove it to avoid any potential accidents.

Regular charging: To avoid deep discharges, it is recommended to regularly charge lithium-ion batteries, even if they have not been used for an extended period. This keeps the battery in optimal condition and prevents irreversible damage.

Prevention: the key to safety

Prevention remains the best solution to avoid incidents. Training users and operators to recognize the early signs of overheating or battery defects is essential. Indeed, knowing how to apply best practices for charging, storage, and maintenance significantly reduces risks.

Lithium-ion battery manufacturing at Batteries Prod

At Batteries Prod, safety is at the heart of our concerns. Each battery is rigorously traced, controlled during the manufacturing process, and undergoes systematic testing before shipping. Certified ISO 9001 V15, Batteries Prod ensures the production of reliable batteries that meet international standards.