Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety: A Workplace Guide to Charging and Storage

Why battery safety deserves attention

Laptops, phones, power banks and cordless tools bring lithium-ion batteries into offices and workshops every day. These batteries are useful, but damage, unsuitable charging or manufacturing defects can cause overheating and a dangerous release of energy.

In February 2026, US OSHA highlighted workplace lithium-ion battery hazards alongside its guidance on injury recording. Its legal requirements apply within its jurisdiction, not automatically in Cameroon. The broader prevention message is relevant: include batteries in your fire-risk assessment rather than treating every charger as a harmless office accessory.

Understand thermal runaway and warning signs

Thermal runaway is an uncontrolled rise in temperature that can lead to fire, flammable or toxic gas release and sometimes explosion. Heat from one cell can affect nearby cells or batteries. Some incidents develop quickly, and a battery may reignite after the first visible flames disappear.

Unexpected heat, swelling, leakage, unusual odour, hissing, popping or smoke are warning signs. Do not continue charging or using a suspect battery. A hot, smoking or unstable battery is not something an untrained worker should carry through an occupied building.

If there is smoke, rapid heating or another sign of imminent failure, warn others, withdraw and activate the site’s emergency plan. Disconnect power only if this can be done without approaching the hazard or delaying escape.

Set up a safer charging area

Use reputable equipment and the correct, manufacturer-approved compatible charger. Inspect batteries, leads and chargers before use, and remove damaged equipment from service through an agreed procedure. Do not modify battery packs, bypass protection systems or improvise repairs.

Choose a clear, stable, suitable noncombustible surface away from paper, packaging and other readily ignitable materials. Keep charging equipment out of corridors, stairways and escape routes. Avoid covering devices or chargers, and follow instructions on temperature, ventilation and charging duration.

Decide whether charging needs supervision, detection, isolation or a dedicated area through a competent fire assessment. Avoid unmanaged overnight charging. Large vehicle or energy-storage batteries require a specialist approach beyond a small-device charging policy.

Store and dispose of batteries responsibly

Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions, including temperature and state-of-charge recommendations where supplied. Protect batteries from crushing, impact, water and direct heat. Store loose batteries so their terminals cannot contact conductive objects or other terminals.

Separate suspect equipment through a competent, documented procedure; do not assume a sealed box or an ordinary cupboard makes a failing battery safe. Obtain specialist advice on the location and management of damaged batteries.

Use a suitable, authorised battery or electronic-waste collection route available locally. Do not put lithium-ion batteries into general waste, burn them or dismantle cells. Confirm the receiving contractor accepts the battery type and condition, particularly for damaged packs.

Prepare for an incident before it happens

Your emergency plan should identify battery locations, alarm and evacuation actions, safe access for responders and who contacts emergency services. Tell responders what batteries are involved. Consider how smoke might affect occupied areas and escape routes.

Do not assume a standard extinguisher will stop thermal runaway. Lithium-ion batteries are different from lithium-metal batteries, and response depends on the equipment, battery size and situation. Extinguishing or cooling actions must follow a competent assessment and responder training. Untrained workers should prioritise alarm, evacuation and professional help, not improvised firefighting.

After an incident, do not re-enter, recharge or reuse affected equipment until competent responders or specialists have made it safe. Update the assessment and communicate the lessons without exposing employees to the damaged battery.