Environmental, Health, and Safety Resources to Mitigate Lithium Battery Fire Hazards

Lithium batteries have brought many benefits to society. Today, they can be found in mobile phones, backup batteries, e-cigarettes, cordless tools, laptop computers and tablets, UPS systems, e-bikes and scooters, electric cars, buildings to supplement the power grid, and in many other applications.

Unfortunately, lithium batteries can also burn and these fires can be very difficult to extinguish. In just the five boroughs of New York City, there were 60 fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries from the 1^st of last year through May 3^rd of 2022 according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). As recently as this past November, FDNY reported a lithium ion battery sparked a 3-alarm fire that injured 38 people in a high-rise.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, but only so long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged.

“There is always a potential danger with lithium batteries if they are defective, become damaged, or fail to operate properly,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Not only is there a fire danger, but there can also be an internal pressure explosion hazard, a toxic gas emission hazard, and a flammable gas emission hazard. In addition to heat, fire, and explosion dangers, there are environmental exposure concerns involving metal particles that may include lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals. Inhaling gases, such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide, and others is yet another exposure risk.”

Providing mitigation strategies to businesses, institutions, and government agencies to help prevent injuries, thermal events, and environmental exposure risks associated with lithium batteries are the industrial hygiene and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) professionals at CTSI. They offer building and workplace assessments, training, consulting, and environmental testing services. CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about lithium batteries and EHS concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/YAALnww_JVU

To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services offered by CTSI, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail