battery safety

 Storage 

• Store batteries away from combustible materials. 

• Remove batteries from the device for long-term storage. 

• Store the batteries at temperatures between 5°C and 20°C (41°F and 68°F). 

• Separate fresh and depleted cells (or keep a log). 

• If practical, store batteries in a metal storage cabinets. 

• Avoid bulk-storage in non-laboratory areas such as offices. 

• Visually inspect battery storage areas at least weekly. 

• Charge batteries in storage to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every six months. 

Chargers and Charging Practice 

• Never charge a primary (disposable lithium or alkaline) battery; store one-time use batteries separately. 

• Charge or discharge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity before long-term storage. 

• Use chargers or charging methods designed to charge in a safe manner cells or battery packs at the specified parameters.

 • Disconnect batteries immediately if, during operation or charging, they emit an unusual smell, develop heat, change shape/geometry, or behave abnormally. 

Dispose of the batteries. 

• Remove cells and pack from chargers promptly after charging is complete. Do not use the charger as a storage location. 

• Charge and store batteries in a fire-retardant container like a high quality LiPo Sack when practical. 

• Do not parallel charge batteries of varying age and charge status; chargers cannot monitor the current of individual cells and initial voltage balancing can lead to high amperage, battery damage, and heat generation. Check voltage before parallel charging; all batteries should be within 0.5 Volts of each other. 

• Do not overcharge (greater than 4.2V for most batteries) or over-discharge (below 3V) batteries.