Lithium-ion battery safety campaign in Calgary

The Calgary Fire Department has launched a campaign to educate residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, especially if they have been damaged or modified.

The message of the initiative is: “Damaged batteries must be left empty.”

Officials say lithium-ion batteries have grown in popularity in recent years and are found in countless devices both inside and outside homes.

As use increases, so does the fire risk, officials say.

“All lithium-ion batteries, especially non-certified batteries, can overheat, catch fire and cause explosions without warning,” CFD Chief Steve Dongworth said in a statement.

“These fires can quickly reach temperatures of more than 500 degrees Celsius, producing toxic gases and dangerous smoke,” he said, adding that they cannot normally be extinguished with water.

Dongworth says lithium-ion battery fires are increasing in Calgary and encourages all residents to charge them safely and only with certified products.

Safety tips for lithium-ion batteries include:

• Use only ULC or CSA approved batteries, chargers and cords;
• Do not use batteries that are hot, swollen-looking, punctured, punctured, or emitting white or gray smoke;
• Do not leave batteries charging overnight or in places where they could block the outputs; And
• Do not use them in extremely hot or cold conditions and keep them away from heat sources and flammable materials.

Residents should never throw batteries in the trash, regardless of whether they are lithium-ion or not, the CFD says.

“All batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, must be separated and taken to a recycling store for safe disposal,” officials said.

“If placed in one of the City of Calgary’s trash bins, the batteries could become crushed by equipment, which could lead to a fire in the recycling facility, composting facility or landfills.”

Anyone experiencing a lithium-ion battery fire should leave the area and call 911 immediately, rather than attempting to extinguish the fire themselves.

You can find more information about the safety of lithium-ion batteries found online.