Lithium Battery Safety Guidance
Fire incidents involving lithium-based batteries present a unique fire challenge. Use of this power storage technology has expanded rapidly in recent years. With that use growing amongst guests, associates, and other patrons, some number of battery-based fire incidents have occurred involving a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway starts with uncontrolled heating of a single battery cell, involving adjacent cells in turn and typically leading to a fire or explosion. The intent of this bulletin is to provide guidance to AHLA members with currently available information on safe management and emergency response practices.
Incident Prevention:
- C = Check conditions of device battery and charger
- H = Handle with care (do not charge if damaged – do not overcharge)
- A = Attended while charging
- R = Regulated temperatures (no extreme heat or cold)
- G = Gauge surroundings/charge in safe area (use common sense)
- E = Ensure use of proper/correct charger
- D = Dispose properly (do not dispose in trash or recycle bin)
Additional Resources: