Battery Safety
What are the risks?
Batteries make our world a more functional space, but they can also be hazardous depending on what they are made of and how we manage them. For example batteries can be:
- Swallowed by children causing death or serious injury (button cell batteries)
- Flammable
- Corrosive
- Shocking
- Heavy
Risks vary between battery types and models, so always check with the manufacture to find the most up-to-date safety information. We also provide additional safety information on specific types of batteries.
The following is some general tips and information to keep everyone safe. This information is general in nature and not intended for use by businesses or industry, but rather to inform individuals about possible risks and control measures. It is recommended that businesses and industry conduct their own risk assessments and develop in-house procedures to address the specific risks associated with their operations.
Risk of swallowing
Button cell batteries can easily be swallowed by children, causing internal chemical burns or in the worst cases, may even cause death in as little as 2 hours..
What to do?
- If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button cell battery in any part of their body, immediately call the 24 hour Poisons Information Center on 131126 for fast expert advice.
- Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is correctly secured. e.g. that the screw or other mechanical fastener is tightened. Do not use if compartment is not secure.
- Dispose of used batteries immediately and safety. Ensure they are wrapped in sticky tape before disposal.
Risk of Fire
Not all batteries are volatile, but care should always be taken to store and handle them carefully. Depending on the battery type, batteries can:
- They can heat up and cause skin burns
- They emit flammable gas (hydrogen)
- Cause a spark if terminals connect – with each other or by other metal objects such as keys
- Cause the battery to rapidly lose energy, could generate enough heat to burn skin, and may cause the safety release vents of the enclosed cells to open
Fire risk varies depending on chemistry type. Alkaline batteries have a low risk of flammability, while some lithium batteries have a high risk because he metal itself is very reactive.
What to do?
- Always store batteries in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
- Ensure used batteries have both terminals are covered with tape.
- Do not allow them to be loose in handbags or other locations where terminals may connect
- Dispose of them rather than leaving them lying around
- Find a recycler
Risk of corrosion
The electrolyte contained in batteries can be corrosive if it comes into contact with skin, eyes, clothes, concrete, plastics, metal, wood or the environment..
What to do?
In most cases, batteries safely contain the electrolyte and will not be a problem if stored in a cool dry ventilated space. If a battery is damaged or corroded, protect your self by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Useful personal protective equipment includes:
- Old clothes or if handling large numbers – a rubber apron
- Have baking soda on hand as it can be used to neutralise the battery acid
- Rubber gloves
- Eye wear
- Have eye wash on hand in case of emergency
Risk of electric shock
Most batteries have very low voltage and so there is no risk of electric shock, but it is important to not be complacent about batteries, especially those that contain higher voltages.
What to do?
- Discharge batteries fully before disposing of them (ensure all the energy is used up)
- ]Always store batteries in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
- Ensure used batteries have both terminals are covered with tape.
- Do not allow them to be loose in handbags or other locations where terminals may connect
- Dispose of them rather than leaving them lying around
- Find a recycler
Risk of injury from heavy lifting
Batteries can be heavy and lifting heavy batteries can cause spinal injuries or strains. The risk will vary depending on your size and strength.
What to do?
- Assess the risk and plan ahead
- Be conservative and seek help if a battery seems heavy to you
- Bend your knees, use a whole hand grip
- Have secure footing and a wide stance
- Keep the load close to the body
- Do not twist or bend sideways
- Avoid lifting heavy batteries
- Use a trolley or lift
Please remember that risks vary between battery types and models, so always check with the manufacture to find the most up-to-date safety information. Click here to read more about safety when handling different types of batteries.
