Lithium-ion batteries are the main type of rechargeable battery used and stored in commercial premises and residential buildings. The risks associated with these batteries can lead to a fire and/or an explosion with little or no warning.
7. Conclusions The depth of penetration of Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) into everyday life and the relative number of reported incidents demonstrate that, whilst potentially significant, the risks and hazards associated with LIBs can be and are, to a greater extent, generally managed in everyday use.
Proposes Risk Management Systems for LIBs. Suggests Best Practice in handling and disposing LIB. Lithium-ion Batteries (LIB) are an essential facilitator of the decarbonisation of the transport and energy system, and their high energy densities represent a major technological achievement and resource for humankind.
Specific risk control measures should be determined through site, task and activity risk assessments, with the handling of and work on batteries clearly changing the risk profile. Considerations include: Segregation of charging and any areas where work on or handling of lithium-ion batteries is undertaken.
Battery power has been around for a long time. The risks inherent in the production, storage, use and disposal of batteries are not new. However, the way we use batteries is rapidly evolving, which brings these risks into sharp focus.
Section 5 discusses the major challenges facing Li-ion batteries: (1) temperature-induced aging and thermal management; (2) operational hazards (overcharging, swelling, thermal runaway, and dendrite formation); (3) handling and safety; (4) economics, and (5) recycling battery materials.