Keep safe! These are just some of the many safety features integrated into authentic, safety-tested lithium-ion cells and batteries. Fitting cells into a compact battery takes a lot of expertise and ongoing research. Counterfeiters will claim they have these features, but they don't.
Lithium-ion batteries solvents and electrolytes are often irritating or even toxic. Therefore, strict monitoring is necessary to ensure workers' safety. In addition, in some process steps in battery production, recycling and in the case of a battery fire, Hydrogen fluoride (HF) may occur and may cause risks to health and safety.
Battery safety starts with risk assessment, planning safety issues as an integral part of the Li-ion battery production chain, and implementing safety procedures. Dräger experts are available to advise on battery safety issues, help identify lithium-ion batteries' hazards, and establish sustainable safety.
The most basic safety device in a battery is a fuse that opens on high current. Some fuses open permanently and render the battery useless; others are more forgiving and reset. Figure 1 illustrates the top of an 18650 cell for Li-ion with built-in safety features.
For a fire risk assessment to be considered suitable and sufficient it must consider all significant risks of fire. Where lithium-ion batteries are concerned this should cover handling, storage, use and charging, as appropriate.
Vapours from solvents and liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are flammable and may cause an increased risk of fires and explosions. Monitoring combustible gases may mitigate this safety risk. An additional bet closely related to the battery is a fire caused by a thermal runaway.