Lithium-ion batteries play an important part in everyday life and have become the industry standard for rechargeable batteries that are common in many home electronics such as smartphones, laptops, toys, scooters, etc.
When lithium-ion batteries overheat, are used the wrong way, or are defective, they are prone to explosions which can result in injuries and fires.
Use these safety tips to help avoid lithium-ion battery injuries:
- Only use batteries that are designed for the device in use. Check the manual or the manufacturer website the size and type of batteries to use.
- Avoid charging your device around flammable materials, such as a bed, couch or on paper.
- Charge your device with the power cord that came with it.
- Keep batteries at room temperature. Never keep lithium-ion batteries near heat sources or in high temperatures, such as direct sunlight, hot cars, radiators, etc.
- If you notice signs that the battery has a problem, such as overheating,odor, leaks, bulging, or change in color/shape, shut off the device and move it away from anything that can catch on fire. If the device is a work issued device, please also notify the help desk as soon as possible at 608-262-7653 or email helpdesk@support.wisconsin.edu.
- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. This causes pollution and can be a fire hazard. Used lithium-ion batteries should be taken to a battery recycling location, hazardous waste roundup, or contact your local waste management service provider for disposal instructions.
The Help Desk is looking to remove damaged or defective devices from the UWSA system’s IT infrastructure. If you or anyone around you possess one of such devices such as an expanding battery in a laptop, please alert the help desk as soon as possible at 608-262-7653 or via email helpdesk@support.wisconsin.edu. We will reach out and set up a new device to swap out that defective device as soon as possible.