April Safety Topic: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices, including smartphones, laptops, scooters, toys, and even cars. In 2024, nearly 280 fires in New York City were attributed to the charging of large lithium-ion batteries for personal electronic vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. Unfortunately, like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective and, in rare cases, can overheat, catch fire, or explode.

NOTE: Columbia University currently bans e-scooters, hoverboards, and similar devices from all housing buildings. In addition, charging a lithium ion-powered vehicle is strictly prohibited in any CUIMC building.

Important things to know about lithium-ion battery safety:

• Purchase and use devices that have a qualified testing laboratory list.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use, charging, and maintenance.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way and only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not place batteries in direct sunlight or keep them in hot vehicles.
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
• Inspect Lithium-ion batteries for things such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, rising temperature, and smoking before use.
• Lithium-ion batteries are not to be discarded in regular municipal trash at Columbia University.
• Recycling small lithium-ion batteries in one of the many designated battery recycling containers throughout campus is the best option. Make sure to tape the battery terminals.