Li-ion batteries offer great convenience but also pose serious safety risks during storage and transport. With the right packaging and precautions, you can limit the risk of fire and comply with the necessary safety standards.
Michel Prins
•3 minutes reading time
•17 October 2024
The popular li-ion batteries - an abbreviation of lithium-ion - are almost everywhere these days. An average household contains 125 batteries; the majority of them are li-ion. These are rechargeable, compact in size and with long life. Ideal for in our daily use, they have become indispensable in our smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes and even electric cars.
Using li-ion batteries also has a downside. External impact can damage the small cells that make up a li-ion battery. As a result, they cannot dissipate their heat (properly), leading to overheating and, in the worst cases, even spontaneous combustion. Things can also go wrong during transportation and storage.
We previously wrote about safely transporting li-ion batteries. This is possible thanks to the SKB 3i-series plastic dust- and waterproof cases, a high-quality and reusable plastic case: lightweight and extremely strong. These cases are then fitted with a custom interior, designed and produced especially for your application. This combination of case and interior can be provided by Faes with the UN certification required to legally transport hazardous materials such as li-ion.
Although li-ion batteries have been around for a long time, their use has increased so much in recent years that new regulations were needed. Never before have these batteries been stored in such quantities.
So there is no uniform advice on li-ion battery storage yet. However, that does not mean that as a company you do not yet need to concern yourself with it. In some cases, spontaneous ignition cannot be prevented; however, damage can be limited with the right precautions. The National Fire Brigade is developing extinguishing methods that are better suited to extinguishing fires caused by li-ion ignition and there are also aerosol installations that can ensure that if escalation does occur, it can be controlled within a short period of time.
When working with li-ion batteries, you will also need to consider their safe transportation. For example, store hazardous materials outside the premises in shipping containers. Purchasing special storage cabinets is not recommended (yet), as it is not clear at this time whether they will also comply with future legislation.
If you will soon be transporting Li-ion batteries or accumulators, for example in an electronic product’, it is important to be aware of current laws and regulations and other developments in this area. Ask your question in the contact form below or contact us directly by mail or phone.
Michel Prins
Accountmanager Safety & Security
Michel Prins is Account Manager at Faes and a specialist in Safety & Security. Thanks to his background at the Ministry of Defense and years of experience in the sector, he advises organizations on reliable packaging solutions for critical applications. He combines practical knowledge with technical expertise to package sensitive equipment safely and efficiently.
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