Search

Lithium Battery Warning: Loose Cells

Posted on 3/8/2021 by Lauren Scott and Roger Marks

Earlier this year, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers not to purchase or use loose 18650 lithium-ion cells.

The 18650 lithium-ion cell is characterized by its 18mm x 65mm size, which is slightly larger than a AA battery. These rechargeable cells come in both flat and button top styles, and usually boast 300-500 charge cycles, making them appealing choice for high-drain devices like laptops and flashlights.

Manufactured as a component for battery packs, these loose cells are being removed from the battery pack, re-packaged, and sold as batteries on the internet, CPSC says. The lithium-ion cells are also being installed in small consumer products, such as lamps, vaping devices, personal fans, and toys without the required safety protocols.

When installed in a device or battery pack, lithium-ion cells are protected from short circuit. Once removed and sold separately, they have exposed metal terminals that can short circuit when they touch metal objects. This can lead to additional complications, such as fires, explosions, and thermal runaway.

Consumers are being advised not to use loose lithium cells and report any problems with lithium-ion batteries to www.SaferProducts.gov
 
Join Lion for the Shipping Lithium Batteries webinar training on March 30 for expert-led training on how to safely ship batteries by ground, air, and vessel.

How to Ship Lithium Batteries Safely

In transportation, packages containing lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are subject to US and international hazardous materials regulations. These batteries must be packaged, marked, labeled, documented according to rules in 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code

Personnel who package, mark, label, handle, offer, or document lithium battery shipments are required to complete hazmat training at least once every three years according to 49 CFR, Subpart H. 

Learn more: 4 Questions to Answer Before You Ship a Lithium Battery

What Is Thermal Runaway?



Lithium-metal and lithium ion batteries have high energy density and, if they short circuit, can generate extreme heat. They are prone to “thermal runaway.” This occurs with strongly exothermic reactions: increased temperature from the chemicals catching fire releases energy, which releases more heat. It’s a self-perpetuating loop that makes these types of fires very difficult to extinguish.

Loose lithium cells are prone to short circuiting and over-heating. This makes loose lithium cells more likely to experience thermal runaway than their lithium battery counterparts, increasing the chance of fires, explosions, serious injuries, and even death.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Big or Small 

Be confident that your personnel are properly trained to offer lithium batteries for transportation. Join us on March 30 for the Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar. This expert-led live webinar covers the latest regulations that shippers must know under 49 CFR (US DOT), the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code
 

Tags: hazardous materials, hazmat, lithium battery, Lithium battery safety, lithium-ion, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.