NYSIR Risk Management Alert - Lithium-Ion Battery
Posted Date: 05/03/24 (07:03 AM)
Good morning,
We received a risk management alert from our NYSIR representative regarding Lithium-Ion Battery Failure on mobile devices.
A student in a member district was charging a mobile device at home on a couch cushion when a family member smelled smoke. The Lithium-Ion battery had failed, caught fire and burned the couch fabric and cushion, which thankfully was treated with flame retardant, avoiding what could have been a bigger tragic event.
When charging mobile devices, please remember the following tips:
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for using, storing, and charging your device. They provide valuable information specific to your device.
- Charge Batteries When Someone Is Present: It’s a good practice to charge your device when someone is around. This way, if any issues arise during charging, they can be addressed promptly.
- Don’t Block Vents: Ensure that the vents on your device remain unobstructed. Proper ventilation helps prevent excessive heat buildup during charging.
- Avoid Charging on Fabric Surfaces: Charging your device on fabric surfaces like couch cushions, blankets, or pillows can be risky. If the battery malfunctions and generates heat, it could potentially cause a fire, as seen in the incident you mentioned.
- Monitor Device Temperature: If your device starts to feel unusually hot during charging, unplug it immediately. Taking it outside away from combustibles is a smart precaution.
- Avoid Overnight Charging On Older Devices: While modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to stop accepting a charge once they’re full, it’s still recommended not to leave your device plugged in overnight. Over time, elevated battery temperatures due to continuous charging can impact battery longevity.