It’s Your Call – January 2023

OSHA: Which devices use lithium-ion batteries, and what are the concerns?

Lithium-ion batteries are used to charge computers, phones, and medical devices such as dental curing lights, cardiac pacemakers, bone-growth stimulators, and glucose monitoring systems. According to The International Association of Fire & Rescue Services, battery-related fires have increased in the last 6 years, although they are ultimately safer and less likely to fail.

Some important safety tips for lithium-ion batteries to consider are:

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
• Discard broken batteries at a recycle depot.