Lithium-ion battery safety

Improving lithium-ion battery safety

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a growing portable energy storage solution. While they are found in portable electronic devices and have made our lives easier, they are one of the fastest growing fire risks in NSW.

To improve consumer safety and reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered devices, NSW Fair Trading has introduced product safety standards and an information standard for products like e-bikes and e-scooters.

From 19 February 2025, suppliers of e-micromobility products must provide consumers with essential safety information at the point of sale or supply.

Learn more about the new information standard 

Where are lithium-ion batteries commonly used?

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a growing portable energy storage solution. While they are found in portable electronic devices and have made our lives easier, they are one of the fastest growing fire risks in NSW.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a range of common consumer products, including:

• e-micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters
• personal devices like mobile phones, tablets and laptops
• household appliances and tools
• renewable energy storage systems
• e-vehicles
• vaping products.

How to identify a lithium-ion battery

There are various shapes and formats, for example, cylindrical, flat, rectangular, pouch, and device specific.

Most batteries will have some form of printing on them which contains either the words 'lithium ion', 'li-ion, 'li-po', 'lithium-polymer', or some other variation of 'li' to represent the scientific term for lithium. 

If the battery is rechargeable and has 'li' or 'lithium' printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery.

Handling lithium-ion batteries safely

How to charge and store batteries safely

Do

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in rooms where batteries are charged.
• Only use products with electrical safety approval marking.
• Only use chargers supplied with the product or recommended by the manufacturer as being suitable for the battery in the product being charged.
• Use chargers with the correct voltage and current for the device.
• Monitor charging times and disconnect once the battery is fully charged (consider setting a timer).
• Charge and store batteries away from doorways, exits and anywhere that could prevent you from escaping in the event of a fire.
• Charge and store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, heat, sunlight and impact.
• Charge batteries on hard, non-flammable surfaces like concrete or tiles.
• Charge batteries away from combustible and highly flammable materials like beds, sofas or carpet.
• Charge large batteries (for example for e-scooters) in garages, sheds, or carports, away from living areas.
• Allow time for batteries to cool down after use before charging or storing them.

Do not

• Never leave batteries to charge unattended or while sleeping to prevent overcharging.
• Do not alter or modify batteries.
• Do not buy or use batteries that have been altered or modified.
• Do not use batteries or devices that are overheating or showing signs of failure, such as swelling, leaking or venting gas.
• Never use or charge a damaged battery.
   

How to recognise a damaged or faulty battery

Know the warning signs when it comes to damaged batteries. Damaged batteries include:

• Batteries that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, cracks, dents, punctures, or crushing
• Overheated batteries that may release vapours or smoke
• Batteries that have gotten wet or have been in water
• Batteries that have been in or exposed to fire.

Never throw a damaged battery in your regular home waste or recycling bins, a fire could ignite.

Damaged batteries should be kept outside in a well-ventilated area, at least 3 metres away from any structures and/or combustible materials, until disposal.

Safe disposal 

Do not throw any lithium-ion batteries in your rubbish or recycling bin. A fire could ignite during waste collection, transportation, handling and processing. 

Batteries from e-micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes can be disposed of at:

• B-cycle Battery Recycling Drop off points
• Community Recycling Centres
• Household Chemical Clean Out events.

Take undamaged, handheld batteries from small electronic devices to a battery recycling bin. Ensure the terminals are covered with clear, adhesive tape to prevent any potential fires with other rubbish and materials.

E-cigarettes and disposable vapes, which contain a heating element as well as an embedded lithium-ion battery, are potentially very dangerous and should be taken to Embedded Battery trial locations or Household Chemical CleanOut events.

Find a battery recycling location near you

Report a product safety concern

If you become aware of an unsafe situation or item, whether or not anyone has been injured, alert the supplier about the issue and report it to NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20 or by making a complaint online.

You can also report the unsafe product to ACCC Product Safety. Check out their product safety recall list first.

Responding to an emergency

Your safety is important. If you are injured or require urgent medical assistance, call 000 immediately. 

If your lithium-ion battery powered device starts to smoke or emit flames, follow Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) advice.