Lithium-ion batteries power many rechargeable devices, including mobile phones, laptops, power banks, power tools, and some small handheld devices. They store a large amount of energy in a compact space. If a battery is damaged, poorly manufactured, charged incorrectly or exposed to extreme heat, it can overheat, catch fire, explode or release toxic gases.
Most devices can be used safely when you handle, charge, and store their batteries correctly. The most important habits are simple: use the right charging equipment, charge where you can see the device, keep it away from heat and stop using it at the first sign of damage or failure. You'll find more guides like this in the myduke® Learn Hub
The Queensland Fire Department's lithium-ion battery safety guidance provides further advice on choosing, charging, storing and recycling battery-powered devices.
Quick battery-safety checklist
-
Follow the device manufacturer's instructions.
-
Use the charger and cable supplied or recommended for the device.
-
Charge on a hard, stable and non-flammable surface.
-
Stay nearby while the device is charging and unplug it when fully charged.
-
Never charge a device on a bed, sofa, carpet or other soft surface.
-
Do not charge while sleeping or when nobody is home.
-
Keep devices cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
-
Never use or charge a device that is damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot.
-
Keep batteries and battery-powered devices out of household rubbish and recycling bins.
How to charge a lithium-ion battery safely
Use compatible charging equipment
Use the charger and cable specified by the manufacturer. An unsuitable charger voltage or current can damage the battery or cause it to overheat. Do not use a charging cable, plug or port that is frayed, bent, loose, wet or otherwise damaged.
Do not modify the device, battery or charger. If you need to replace the original charging equipment, obtain a compatible replacement from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier.
Choose a safe place to charge
Place the device on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface such as tile, concrete, ceramic, or steel. Keep it away from bedding, upholstered furniture, paper, clothing, curtains and other materials that could catch fire.
Charge the device in a location with a working smoke alarm. Keep it away from doorways, hallways and other exit routes.
Monitor charging
Charge devices while you are awake and nearby. Disconnect the device once it is fully charged; do not routinely leave it connected overnight. If the device becomes unusually hot, makes an unusual noise or gives off an unfamiliar smell, stop charging it if it is safe to do so.
If a device is warm after use, allow it to cool before charging.
How to store and carry devices safely
-
Store devices in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
-
Never leave them in a hot car or on a dashboard.
-
Protect devices from being dropped, crushed, punctured or bent.
-
Do not expose devices or charging ports to water or other liquids.
-
Keep them away from children and pets.
-
Do not place loose removable batteries in a pocket or bag with keys, coins or other metal objects. Metal can bridge the terminals and cause a short circuit. Use a suitable protective battery case.
-
Never use a battery intended for one device in a different device.
Warning signs: stop using the device
Stop using and charging a battery-powered device if you notice:
-
unusual or excessive heat
-
swelling, bulging or blistering
-
cracks, dents, punctures or crushing
-
leaking fluid
-
discolouration
-
a pungent or unusual smell
-
hissing, popping or crackling sounds
-
smoke or fumes
-
unexpectedly rapid loss of charge, particularly when accompanied by heat or physical change.
Do not touch a swollen, ruptured, leaking or extremely hot battery with bare hands. Do not try to open, repair or dismantle it.
What to do if a device overheats
Battery failure can develop quickly. Do not take an action that puts you or anyone else at risk.
-
Stop using the device.
-
If it is connected to mains power and it is safe to approach, switch off the power and unplug it.
-
Keep away from any smoke or fumes.
-
If you can do so safely, move a small overheating device outside, away from people, buildings, windows, doorways, and anything combustible.
-
If the device begins smoking, hissing, venting gas or producing flames, evacuate immediately and call Triple Zero (000).
Never pick up or move a device that is smoking, on fire, ruptured or too hot to touch.
What to do if a battery smokes or catches fire
-
Get everyone out of the area.
-
Close doors behind you if it is safe to do so.
-
Stay out and call Triple Zero (000).
-
Do not inhale the smoke or vapours; they can be toxic and flammable.
-
Do not re-enter the area or handle the device, even if the flames are no longer visible. Lithium-ion batteries can reignite.
-
Follow the instructions of emergency services.
If someone has been exposed to smoke, fumes, leaking electrolyte, flying material or flames, seek urgent medical assistance. Cool burns under cool running water for 20 minutes and call Triple Zero (000) for serious burns or as directed by the operator.
Safe disposal and recycling
Never place a lithium-ion battery or a device containing one in household rubbish, kerbside recycling or hard waste. Batteries can be crushed during collection and processing, causing fires in bins, trucks and waste facilities.
Small undamaged batteries may be accepted by an approved battery-recycling service. Check the facility's instructions before attending. You may need to cover battery terminals with clear adhesive tape to prevent short-circuiting.
A battery that is swollen, leaking, punctured, overheated, fire-damaged or otherwise unsafe requires specialist advice. Do not take a damaged battery to an ordinary collection bin unless the facility has confirmed that it accepts damaged batteries. Contact your local council, fire service or an appropriate hazardous-waste service for instructions.
Queensland Fire Department advises contacting your local council urgently for disposal instructions when a lithium-ion battery is damaged.
For businesses and workers, SafeWork NSW's lithium-ion battery guidance also covers isolating, labelling, storing, and transporting damaged batteries. SafeWork NSW classifies lithium-ion batteries as Class 9 Dangerous Goods and advises following the Australian Dangerous Goods Code when transporting them.
Do not post a damaged battery
Australia Post prohibits recalled, damaged and non-conforming lithium batteries from its network. Do not mail a device if its battery has overheated, swollen, leaked, smoked, caught fire or may otherwise be defective. Contact the supplier and explain the device's condition so they can arrange safe collection, investigation, or disposal.
Reporting a device problem
If a rechargeable device supplied to you develops a fault, stop using it and contact the supplier promptly. If it is safe, retain the device, its packaging, charger and proof of purchase, and record:
-
what happened and when
-
whether the device was being used or charged
-
where and how it had been stored
-
the charger and cable being used
-
any heat, smell, noise, swelling, leaking, smoke or flame observed
-
any injury or property damage.
Photographs can assist an investigation, but do not approach or handle an unsafe device to take them. Follow emergency services' advice after any fire.
A final reminder
Lithium-ion battery incidents can escalate quickly. Correct charging and storage reduce avoidable risks, but take any warning sign seriously. Stop using a device that appears damaged or behaves unusually, keep it away from smoke or fumes and call Triple Zero (000) if it begins smoking or catches fire. This guide is part of the myduke® Learn Hub. myduke® is an Australian, doctor-led smoking cessation service - see how it works.
FAQs
Can a lithium-ion battery catch fire when it isn't being charged or used?
Yes. A battery that is damaged, swollen or defective can overheat and catch fire even when it's switched off or disconnected. This is why you should stop using and safely isolate any battery showing warning signs, rather than storing it and assuming it's fine because it isn't in use.
Is it safe to leave a device charging overnight?
It's best not to. Charge devices while you're awake and nearby, and unplug them once fully charged rather than leaving them connected overnight or when no one is home. If a fault develops during charging, someone being present makes it far more likely the problem is caught early.
Are lithium-ion battery fumes toxic?
Yes. A failing or burning lithium-ion battery can release gases and vapours that are both toxic and flammable. Do not inhale smoke or fumes from a battery, get everyone out of the area, and call Triple Zero (000). If someone has been exposed to smoke or fumes, seek urgent medical assistance.
Can you put out a lithium-ion battery fire with water?
For the public, the safest response is not to try. Lithium-ion battery fires can escalate quickly, give off toxic gas and reignite even after the flames appear to be out. Get everyone out, close doors behind you if it's safe, stay out, and call Triple Zero (000) - then follow the instructions of emergency services.
What are the warning signs of a failing lithium-ion battery?
Stop using and charging a device if you notice unusual heat, swelling or bulging, cracks or dents, leaking fluid, discolouration, an unusual smell, hissing or popping sounds, smoke, or an unexpectedly rapid loss of charge. Don't touch a swollen, ruptured, leaking or extremely hot battery with bare hands, and never try to open or repair it.
Where can I recycle lithium-ion batteries in Australia?
Never put lithium-ion batteries or battery-powered devices in your household rubbish or kerbside recycling - they can cause fires in bins, trucks and waste facilities. Loose or easily removable household batteries can be dropped off free at an accredited B-cycle recycling point - there are more than 5,000 across Australia, including at many major retailers. Batteries built into a device aren't accepted at B-cycle points, so check with your local council's e-waste service instead. Cover the terminals with clear tape before transport, and for a swollen, leaking or fire-damaged battery, contact your local council or fire service for specialist advice rather than using an ordinary drop-off bin.