Are domestic lithium-ion battery storage systems safe?

Several standards that will be applicable for domestic lithium-ion battery storage are currently under development or have recently been published. The first edition of IEC 62933-5-2, which has recently been published, covers the safety of domestic energy storage systems.

What are the OSHA standards for lithium-ion batteries?

While there is not a specific OSHA standard for lithium-ion batteries, many of the OSHA general industry standards may apply, as well as the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). These include, but are not limited to the following standards:

What is a lithium-based battery safety guide?

The guide is intended to provide a minimum level of electrical safety criteria that could be applied to lithium-based battery energy storage equipment and is the result of extensive collaboration from system manufacturers, certifiers, safety regulators and industry bodies.

Are lithium ion batteries flammable?

Some of these electrolytes are flammable liquids and requirements within OSHA’s Process Safety Management standard may apply to quantities exceeding 10,000 lb. Many of the chemicals used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing have been introduced relatively recently.

What are lithium ion batteries used for?

They power devices such as mobile telephones, laptop computers, tablets, cameras, power tools, electric vehicles, and machinery, and are also used in large Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Lithium-ion batteries may present several health and safety hazards during manufacturing, use, emergency response, disposal, and recycling.

Are lithium ion batteries dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries contain various components that present different chemical hazards to workers, such as lammability, toxicity, corrosivity, and reactivity hazards. These chemicals may enter the workplace as raw materials or recycled materials.