Battery Safety
Battery Safety/WEE Recycling
& Compliance
Whilst Lithium-ion batteries are not inherently dangerous, they can be
if they are misused or mistreated. It is important you read and understand the
information in this section to ensure you keep yourself and your electronics
safe at all times.
This battery safety information applies whether you are using 18650,
21700, 20700 or 26650 batteries or any other lithium-ion batteries.
NEVER KEEP BATTERIES LOOSE IN YOUR
POCKET
Always
use the case provided to store your batteries when they are not in use. Never
put loose batteries in your pocket, or leave them in purses, bags or even
drawers in your home. Incorrect storage is the number one cause of all
battery-related incidents. Batteries left exposed to other items such as keys
and coins can easily short - causing them to explode or burn.
If you
like to take multiple batteries out and about with you, you’ll benefit from
investing in a larger EVA case, these can carry up to x4 18650
batteries.
LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY WRAPS AND
INSULATORS
Wraps and insulators should be periodically inspected for tears or
damage. If a battery has a damaged wrap, it should be repaired or disposed of immediately.
The insulator is a round disk on the top of the battery - it separates the
positive and negative terminals. If you bridge them with a metal object they
will overheat and either explode or leave you with a nasty burn.
DO NOT USE YOUR BATTERIES IN ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS
The wrap
insulates the negative terminal holding the insulator in place. Do not
use batteries with damaged wraps or insulators. Either dispose of them
immediately via a recycling point or return them to your retailer who will be
able to repair them with a new insulator and wrap. If you’re confident in
replacing the wraps yourself, you can do so using our wrap repair kits, you’ll
find a wealth of resources on YouTube demonstrating how to do this.
NEVER CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES WHEN
UNATTENDED
Lithium-Ion
cells should be charged on a dedicated charger rated specifically for
Lithium-Ion cells. Never leave a battery unattended whilst charging and
always be sure to remove the batteries from the charger when the charging cycle
is complete.
Whilst
charger failures are rare, they’re not impossible. Recharge your batteries a
convenient time when you’re in the room and able to keep an eye on it.
Furthermore, when it’s completely charged, remove it from the mains.
Overcharging it carries the same risk. If you’re looking for support in
selecting the right charger, contact one of our team who will be happy to
help.
TOP 10 LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY TIPS
- Always
keep your batteries in a case when not in use.
- Do
not store your batteries in direct sunlight.
- Keep
batteries away from flammable objects and materials.
- Never
leave a battery unattended whilst charging.
- Keep
batteries away from static electric charges.
- Keep
out of reach from animals and children.
- If a
battery has a damaged wrap, it should be repaired or disposed of
immediately.
- Do
not crush, incinerate or modify your batteries.
- Only
use batteries within the manufacturers specifications.
- Recycle
your batteries correctly - never throw them in the bin
WEEE Recycle & Compliance
You will find batteries used in a wide
range of electrical devices, including vape devices. As a business who sells a
large number of batteries we’re also environmentally conscious and acknowledge
the impact our products can have on the environment - particularly if they are
not disposed of properly.
Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly harmful to the
environment and, when churned up amidst the mountains of rubbish dumped into a
landfill, can easily cause a leak. Toxic metals such as mercury, lead and
cadmium can quickly absorb into the soil, and eventually, make their way into
the water supply. This toxicity is devastating for plants, animals and even
humans.
In these conditions, the batteries are also liable
to explode, setting alight the mix of materials into a toxic combination of
chemicals polluting the atmosphere. Probably for the best that we avoid
chucking these batteries in the bin then.
According to the UK HSE, every year an estimated 2
million tonnes of WEEE items are discarded by households and businesses in the
UK. This is probably a good point to mention the Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment recycling (WEEE) directive. If
you want to read about this directive in more depth, you will find further
information here; Government Guidance Notes (Department for Innovation and Skills).
In order to protect yourselves, the environment and
to comply fully with the WEEE directive, we suggest you read and fully
understand the following information to dispose of your batteries safely;
- Recycle your batteries using the authorised
battery collection bins; you can typically find
these at local retail outlets such as supermarkets
- Consider donating any undamaged and working batteries for use by
someone else
- If you live nearby,bring your used batteries to us and we will
dispose of them for you
- Don’t ever throw them in the bin.
All of our batteries adhere to WEEE protocol
(products or packaging). You'll find our batteries marked with the
crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. This symbol serves as a reminder for both
individuals and businesses to separate their WEEE and dispose of it
responsibly.
As always, if you have any
questions on battery disposal and recycling, please do not hesitate to get in
touch with a member of our team.
