10 tips for safe handling lithium-ion batteries

What is a lithium-ion battery or accumulator?

A lithium-ion battery is lightweight, rechargeable battery or accumulator in electric bikes, scooters, cars, smartphones, tablets, laptops and hoverboards. They are used by millions of people every day. This type of battery contains relatively much more energy than a standard penlite battery.

1 Read the manual
Read and follow the manufacturer's supplied manual on battery-specific tips. It clearly describes how and where the battery can and may be charged.

2 Use only supplied or recommended charger/battery pack
Imitation chargers can damage the battery, even though they sometimes have the same specifications. A charger and battery pack are factory coordinated.

3 Prevent battery and charger exposure to extremely high or low temperatures
Lithium batteries are sensitive to extremely high and low temperatures. Especially at extremely high temperatures, the batteries can become even warmer and therefore burn out or even explode. Think of a mobile phone in the sun on a dashboard.

4 Leave at least once every three months
Lithium batteries also drain slowly and can be damaged at low voltage.

5 Has the battery been dropped, damaged or deformed? Put it outside and hand it in as soon as possible
Fallen, damaged or deformed batteries can burn out or even explode.

6 Always have the battery serviced by an expert
Do not have someone tinker with or repair the battery by anybody, this type of battery is too sensitive for that.

7 Pay attention to the battery in a stable, non-flammable place while charging
During charging, the battery becomes warm and can therefore spontaneously lead to a fire on a flammable surface.

8 Charge the battery preferably during the day
Is something going wrong while charging? Then this is immediately visible and smellable during the day and you can take action.

9 Remove the battery from the charger when it is full

10 Use smoke detectors in the room where the batteries are charged