The scene is horrifying: a box of batteries starts to catch fire, and a group of workers desperately try to put out the fire. The result is horrific: 23 people died and a building used as a warehouse in Hwaseong, South Korea, was completely burned down. A lithium battery fire can be disastrous, and since we almost have several lithium batteries at home, it is better to know what to do if a lithium battery like the ones used in our cell phones or laptops catches fire.
What to do if a lithium battery catches fire?
It seems absurd, but the first thing you need to do is stay calm, and this calm is only possible if you have information about what to do and what not to do.
The most important thing to know is that a lithium battery fire cannot be extinguished with water, and spilling water can make the situation worse. “Water can react with lithium components and make the fire worse.” Israel Valdez saysoccupational safety specialist
Therefore, the best way to put out a lithium battery fire is to use a Class C fire extinguisher, which is one that contains the chemicals needed to put out fires involving electrical equipment. A “standard” fire extinguisher will put out typical Class A flammable material fires; Class B will put out flammable gases and liquids; and Class C will put out electrical appliances.
But that’s not all. If you have a lithium battery that catches fire, do not break or move it under any circumstances, as this can release toxic gases that could increase the risk of the fire spreading. It’s a good idea to try to isolate the area as much as possible. If that’s not possible, another option is to try to remove any other objects that could contribute to the fire, such as other electronic devices.
During a fire, if there are other people in the affected area, ask them to call emergency services and indicate that it is a lithium battery fire. This may result in emergency services responding to the call with appropriate intervention equipment.
How to prevent lithium battery fire?
Although lithium batteries are quite safe, they are not immune to fire due to problems such as short circuits or overheating during the charging process.
However, one factor that may indicate a battery fire is swelling. If you notice that your device has begun to warp, it is most likely due to a swollen battery.
In these cases, the best solution is to stop charging the device, turn it off, and try to remove the battery. If you have the tools and knowledge to do so, it is best to prepare a fireproof container to place it in (this can be a metal container, such as a pot), and then take it to an e-waste recycling center.
Source: Digital Trends
