asecos – Europe’s leading manufacturer of type-tested safety storage cabinets

The safe handling of lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable batteries)

Important information about lithium-ion batteries and their handling

There are very few technology trends that have become so firmly established in recent years than the development of ever more powerful energy storage systems based on lithium (Li). For about 30 years, lithium-ion batteries and accumulators have been conquering the market for energy storage, establishing themselves in more and more products and devices. 

Lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries may seem harmless, but they harbour safety risks that are often underestimated. With their very high energy density, they can, under certain conditions, ignite spontaneously or become unstable and explode when heated. If a technical defect occurs or the battery fails, this can have serious consequences for people, the company and the environment.
 

News lithium ion batteries

Whether in gardening tools, power tools, hand scanners, e-bikes, walkie-talkies or electric golf trolleys - lithium-ion batteries are all around us.

► WHAT are lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are so-called electrochemical energy storage devices and achieve a high energy density, i.e. they store a higher amount of energy than previous batteries, while being light and compact.
The battery electrodes (anode and cathode) and the electrolyte contain lithium ions. A single battery cell has a typical voltage of approximately 3.6 V.
 

► WHERE are lithium-ion batteries installed?

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used and are very common in our professional and everyday lives. These batteries are installed in household and garden appliances, e-bikes, e-scooters or radios. But they can also be found in hand scanners, power tools, cameras, laptops or electric golf trolleys. Even if the respective device or battery is small, battery damage can have serious consequences. For this reason, conscious and careful handling during use is particularly important.

► Do you have to observe regulations for storage and handling?

Do you have to observe regulations for storage and handling?

To date, there are no legal guidelines for the storage and supply of lithium-ion batteries. It is therefore up to each company to decide which safety measures to take but, as lithium is a hazardous substance, a Risk Assessment should be conducted to support this. Where appropriate, an assessment in compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) should be undertaken to ensure that charging areas are sufficiently remote from any hazardous materials such as flammable liquids and gases that may be stored or in use on the premises.


It is further recommended to develop an individual protection concept for the storage situation in cooperation with, for example, property insurers or fire brigades. As long-standing experts in the storage and handling of hazardous substances, we are of course also happy to assist you. Just contact us!
The RISCAuthority, are a group of UK insurers that actively support a number of expert working groups developing and promulgating best practice for the protection of people, property, business and the environment from loss due to fire and other risks. They have developed document RC61 with guidance for damage prevention in the provision of lithium batteries in production and storage areas. This following is an excerpt from the document:

► Fire safety management

Fire safety management
  • All batteries should be stored, charged and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • No flammable or combustible material, other than that associated with the chargers, should be stored within 2m of the charging area.
  • Care must be taken that batteries are not damaged or pierced when in use, in storage or on charge. Any battery that has been damaged, dented or pierced should be taken out of service immediately, segregated from other batteries and stored securely while awaiting safe disposal. Similarly, damaged goods containing batteries should also be segregated from other stock and stored safely to await safe disposal.
Fire safety management
  • Security or other responsible staff on site who may be called to take action in an emergency should be made aware of the location of the charging area, the means for isolating the power and the action to take in an emergency.
  • All personnel authorised to use, change or charge batteries should be adequately trained concerning the properties of the batteries concerned and the safe use of chargers that may be involved. This is particularly important where personnel may be unfamiliar with some batteries, such as lithium polymer batteries, that are in use.

 

► Our recommendation for safe storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries

Safety cabinet asecos in the warehouse is opened by employees.

Discover the asecos ION-LINE lithium cabinets for the safe storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries in a fire-protected environment.

The ION-LINE cabinet models are specifically designed to meet the highest safety standards. They offer certified fire protection with a 90-minute fire resistance rating from the inside out and outside in.

These cabinets effectively prevent a fire from spreading from the outside to the batteries stored inside. At the same time, the risk of a fire inside the cabinet caused by the lithium-ion batteries or accumulators is also minimised because spread to the surrounding area is prevented. With this sophisticated safety concept, your employees and rescue forces gain valuable time for evacuation measures and effective containment of the fire. Rely on asecos ION-LINE cabinets to ensure a safe and secure environment for your lithium-ion batteries. Contact us and let our experts advise you.

 

► Different cabinets for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries

asecos safety cabinet is opened by employee and battery removed

Various cabinet sizes and equipment variants are available for the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries. There are safety cabinets that are used exclusively for the passive storage of batteries, as well as those that allow both the storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries.

ION-LINE passive storage safety cabinets offer a standard 90-minute fire resistance rating both from the outside to the inside and vice versa. Additional options such as warning/fire suppression systems and a potential-free switch contact for alarm forwarding ensure optimum safety for the storage of lithium-ion batteries.

> Discover the ION-LINE storage cabinets.

 

► Unattended charging of rechargeable batteries - a major hazard

  asecos safety cabinet is opened by employee and battery is removed

Charging lithium batteries outside working hours and unattended can pose an increased fire risk. For this reason, the ION-LINE charging cabinets are equipped with 90-minute fire protection from the inside to the outside and vice versa. They also feature high-quality sensors and engineered venting systems to prevent heat buildup. Integrated grounded outlets at each storage level allow for convenient charging, while smoke and temperature sensors continuously monitor cabinet status. If temperature rises or smoke develops in the cabinet, a 3-stage safety system is activated to initiate fire suppression and trigger alerts.

> Discover the ION-LINE charging cabinets.

With the ION-LINE safety cabinets from asecos, you can significantly reduce the risk when storing and charging lithium-ion batteries.

 

► How do I dispose of lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries correctly?

How do I dispose of lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries correctly?

Every second lithium-ion battery or rechargeable lithium-ion battery still ends up in the household or residual waste by mistake. These incorrectly disposed batteries and accumulators are constantly increasing the risk of fire.

The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 regulates, among other things, the disposal of spent batteries and accumulators for manufacturers, importers, exporters, dealers and also consumers. Thus, every consumer is obliged to dispose of spent batteries and accumulators separately at an appropriate collection point. These can be found wherever batteries and accumulators are sold.

Larger lithium-ion batteries, for example from e-bikes or tools, are considered industrial batteries and are taken back by the distributor free of charge. Some of these batteries can also be disposed of at the recycling centre. Please contact your local recycling centre for further information.