Safety Update

Batteries and Fire Safety

In light of recent reports of battery-related fires in national and local news, it’s crucial to underscore the significance of battery safety for fire prevention. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and micromobility devices (e.g., electric bikes and scooters), contain highly flammable electrolytes that can ignite if the battery is punctured, overheated, or overcharged. The resulting fires can spread rapidly and are challenging to extinguish, even for trained firefighters, posing dangers to buildings, property, and human lives.

Key Practices for Battery Safety

• Proper Charging: Overcharging batteries can lead to overheating and potentially result in a fire. Always use chargers recommended by the manufacturer and avoid leaving devices plugged in for extended periods after they are fully charged.
• Storage Conditions: Storing batteries in extreme temperatures or exposing them to moisture can compromise their integrity and increase the risk of malfunction. Keep batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Quality Assurance: Purchase batteries and devices from reputable manufacturers known for strict quality control standards. Counterfeit or low-quality batteries may lack safety features and are more prone to failure. Only micromobility devices certified and labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory may be stored, charged, or operated in university owned or leased buildings.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage, leakage, or swelling. Replace batteries that show any abnormalities immediately and follow proper disposal procedures for old or damaged batteries.
• Proper Disposal: Do not discard lithium-ion batteries in trash. Please reach out to BU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at oehs@bu.edu regarding proper disposal and recycling.

University guidance on micromobility device use addresses these topics in more detail, and also provides specific information about device use on campus.

In the Event of Fire

In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, make use of standard fire extinguishers available in buildings across BU’s campuses. Two or more extinguishers may be required. Refer to the egress maps posted in each building to locate fire extinguishers on the floor and revisit these maps periodically, as well as guidance for using fire extinguishers available on the EHS website.

By prioritizing battery safety through responsible usage, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines, we can mitigate the risks associated with battery-related fires and ensure a safe environment for our University community.

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