This happens when a single battery overheats and the lithium combusts, heating the battery next to it and creating a chain reaction that results in a larger fire or explosion. Multiple batteries stored or transported together without proper packaging to prevent friction and movement can cause “thermal runaway”. Transports batteries without proper packaging.Recharges batteries at below freezing temperatures.Exposes batteries to high temperatures, for instance, direct sunlight, heaters, or open flames.Fails to follow the manufacturer’s charging directions.Drops, crushes, or punctures a battery.Damage to lithium batteries can occur if someone: This can cause injuries and destroy property, including other nearby evidence. When a battery with lithium is damaged, it has the potential to cause fires and explosions. While lithium batteries are generally safe, lithium is reactive, and compacting lithium into a battery cell creates a high-powered environment. This is particularly true when transporting and storing lithium batteries and property and evidence items that contain them. Forensic practitioners and property specialists must understand the safety issues associated with lithium batteries and follow proper precautions. Lithium batteries can store far more energy than other batteries of the same size however, there are potential fire and explosion hazards because they can short circuit and overheat. Lithium-ion batteries are found in smartphones, power tools, electric vehicles (golf carts and hybrid cars), and even Formula One electric race cars. Primary lithium batteries are found in small electronics such as hearing aids and watches. Lithium batteries come in two types: primary (or single use) and lithium-ion (or rechargeable). To address these questions, this newsletter focuses on the proper and safe handling of lithium batteries and property and evidence items that contain them.
Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that the lithium batteries used in vape pens have caused fires and injuries. In recent months, several readers have asked the EMSC how best to store electronic cigarettes, commonly called “vape pens,” as property and evidence.
If you missed our previous issues, you can find them here. The EMSC is co-funded by NIST and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This monthly newsletter from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Evidence Management Steering Committee ( EMSC) shares information, relevant articles, upcoming events, and training opportunities with evidence management stakeholders. Welcome to the Evidence Management Community of Practice Newsletter