AUSTRALIAGeneral safety information based on Fire and Rescue NSW guidance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device.
Lithium-ion cells are everywhere: phones, earbuds, power tools, e-bikes and many small rechargeable devices. They store a lot of energy in a small space, which is exactly what makes them useful and also why they deserve some care. Fire and Rescue NSW describes portable lithium-ion batteries as a leading fire hazard, and most of its advice comes down to a handful of habits.
This guide summarises that advice in a form that applies to any small rechargeable device.
Buy batteries and chargers you can trust
Problems often start before a battery is ever charged. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends choosing batteries and chargers from reliable manufacturers and looking for an approval mark on the product itself.
- Check that the charger is designed for the specific device.
- Be cautious of items with no visible approval marks. You can ask the seller for proof, or report them to your state fair trading agency.
- Check the ACCC’s Product Safety Australia recalls list if you are unsure about a product.
Charge with care
Charging is the moment when a battery is under the most stress. The following habits come straight from fire-service guidance.
Use the right charger
Use only the charger supplied with the device, or another charger approved for it. A plug that physically fits is not proof that the charger is compatible.
Choose the right place
- Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface such as tiles or concrete.
- Never charge on a bed, sofa or carpet, where heat cannot escape and materials can ignite.
- Install working smoke alarms in areas where you regularly charge devices.
Stay nearby and unplug when done
Avoid charging while you are asleep or away from home, and unplug the device once it is fully charged.
Know the warning signs
A battery that is failing usually gives clues. Stop using and stop charging any battery or device that is:
- swelling, bulging or leaking
- unusually hot to the touch
- cracked, dented, punctured or crushed.
A damaged battery should never be charged “one more time”. If it shows any of these signs, take it out of service.
What to do with a damaged battery
Fire and Rescue NSW advises keeping a damaged battery outside in a well-ventilated area, at least three metres from structures and anything combustible. Small batteries or devices can be placed in a plastic container of water to cool.
If a battery is leaking but not overheating, place it in a clear plastic bag or container and take it to a Community Recycling Centre or a household chemical collection event, rather than an ordinary battery drop-off point.
Never put batteries in the bin
Lithium-ion batteries should never go into household waste or recycling bins. They can be crushed in collection trucks and at processing facilities, where they can start fires. Small, undamaged batteries can go to a battery recycling drop-off point. Tape over the terminals with clear tape first to prevent short circuits.
Some small devices have batteries that are built in and cannot be removed safely. Our guide to disposing of a used vape explains the options for those.
A quick checklist
- Buy from reliable sources and check for approval marks.
- Use the original or an approved charger.
- Charge on a hard surface, away from beds and sofas.
- Don’t leave devices charging while you sleep or go out.
- Retire any battery that swells, leaks, overheats or is damaged.
- Recycle batteries properly and never place them in a bin.
Conclusion
Most lithium-ion incidents are preventable. Good chargers, sensible charging locations and prompt retirement of damaged cells remove most of the risk. These habits apply equally to a phone, a power tool or any small rechargeable device in your home.
Sources
- Fire and Rescue NSW, Lithium-ion batteries: shop, charge and recycle safely
- NSW Environment Protection Authority, Why can’t batteries go in the bin?