Choose a trusted product
Purchase devices, batteries and chargers from a reputable manufacturer or retailer. Be cautious with unusually inexpensive replacement batteries from unknown sellers.
Know what you are buying Font Size: |
Fire & Life Safety
Small batteries. Serious fire safety.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day. They are lightweight, rechargeable and convenient—but they must be purchased, charged, stored and disposed of safely.
A damaged battery, an incompatible charger or an uncertified replacement can overheat and create a serious fire risk. Learn the warning signs and the simple habits that can help protect your home and family.
Start With Safe Charging Before You Charge
Buy it right
Battery safety begins with the product you purchase. Choose trusted equipment and use batteries, chargers and replacement parts designed to work safely together.
Use the correct battery
Use the original battery supplied with the device. When a replacement is needed, contact the product manufacturer or the retailer and confirm that the battery is made for your exact model.
Never modify a batteryMatch the charger
Use the charger supplied with the device. A replacement charger must have the correct voltage and current and should be purchased from the manufacturer or another trusted source.
Do not mix and matchLook for a Canadian certification mark
Chargers and other electrical products that plug into an outlet should display a recognized Canadian certification mark. A familiar brand logo alone is not a safety certification.
CSA cUL cETL
Everyday Battery Safety
Charge safely
Most battery incidents can be prevented through careful charging. Use the correct equipment, choose a safe location and pay attention while the battery is connected to power.
Use a hard, flat surface
Charge devices on a stable surface where heat can escape. Keep the battery and charger away from paper, clothing and other materials that can burn.
Keep the battery uncovered
Allow air to circulate around the device, battery and charger. Never cover charging equipment with clothing, blankets or other objects.
Stay nearby and pay attention
Charge batteries while you are awake and able to notice a problem. Check occasionally for unusual heat, smells, sounds or changes to the battery.
Disconnect when charging is complete
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not leave a battery charging longer than recommended. Unplug the charger when charging is finished.
Keep your way out clear
Never charge an e-bike, e-scooter or other large battery in a hallway, stairwell or beside an exit door. Charging equipment must not block your escape route if a fire occurs.
Stop Before It Starts
Know the warning signs
A failing lithium-ion battery may show signs of trouble before a fire begins. Stop using the device immediately if you notice any unusual change.
Excessive heat
The device, charger or battery feels much hotter than normal or continues getting hotter.
Swelling or bulging
The battery changes shape, expands or causes the device casing to separate or lift.
Unusual odour
A strange, sharp or chemical smell comes from the battery, device or charger.
Leaking
Liquid, residue or staining appears around the battery or inside the device.
Discolouration or damage
You notice burn marks, cracking, dents, punctures, corrosion or an unexpected change in colour.
Popping or hissing
The battery begins making unusual noises, including crackling, popping or hissing sounds.
A battery shows signs of damage
- Stop using and charging the device.
- Disconnect the charger at the wall only when it is safe to do so.
- Do not press, puncture, bend, modify or attempt to repair the battery.
- Keep the device away from children and anything that can burn.
- Contact the manufacturer and arrange for safe disposal.
Smoke, sparks or fire
- Do not touch, carry or attempt to move the battery.
- Leave the area immediately and warn everyone nearby.
- Close the door behind you when possible to help contain smoke and fire.
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location and do not re-enter.
Lithium-ion battery fires can develop quickly.
Your first priority is to get outside safely.
Larger Batteries Need Extra Care
E-bike and e-scooter safety
E-bikes and e-scooters use larger, more powerful lithium-ion batteries. A problem involving one of these batteries can develop quickly, produce heavy smoke and create a serious fire risk inside a home or shared building.
Use original equipment
Use the battery and charger supplied with the e-bike or e-scooter. Purchase replacements from the original manufacturer or the retailer where the product was purchased.
Choose a safe charging area
Charge at room temperature on a stable surface, away from anything that can burn. Keep the device where it can be seen and where heat can escape.
Protect the way out
Keep e-bikes and e-scooters away from exit doors, hallways, stairways and other escape routes while they are charging or being stored.
Before charging
- Inspect the battery, casing, cable and charger for damage.
- Make sure the battery is dry and at room temperature.
- Confirm that the charger is intended for the exact battery and device.
- Plug the charger directly into a suitable wall outlet whenever the manufacturer requires it.
- Stay nearby and unplug the battery when charging is complete.
Never modify the battery
- Do not build a homemade or do-it-yourself battery pack.
- Do not add batteries to increase the voltage, speed or travel range.
- Do not open, dismantle, puncture or attempt to repair the battery.
- Do not combine a battery and charger from different systems.
- Do not use a battery that is damaged, swollen, dented, leaking or overheating.
Look for tested electrical systems
When purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter, check the product information for recognized safety certification and ask the retailer to confirm which standard applies to the complete electrical system.
E-BIKES: ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 E-MOBILITY: ANSI/CAN/UL 2272
After a crash, impact or water exposure
Inspect the battery and device carefully before using or charging them again. Do not charge a wet or damaged battery. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or have the product assessed by an authorized service provider.
Between Uses
Store batteries safely
Where a battery is kept matters. Choose a cool, dry and protected location where it will not be exposed to heat, moisture, physical damage or materials that can burn.
Keep batteries at room temperature
Store batteries indoors and away from direct sunlight, heaters and other sources of heat. Do not leave them inside a hot or freezing vehicle.
Choose a dry location
Protect batteries from rain, condensation and other moisture. Allow a cold battery to return to room temperature before using or charging it.
Protect against damage
Store batteries where they cannot be dropped, crushed, punctured or struck. Never place heavy objects on top of batteries or battery containers.
Everyday storage checklist
- Follow the product manufacturer’s storage instructions.
- Keep batteries away from paper, clothing, fuels and other combustible materials.
- Store batteries out of the sight and reach of children.
- Keep spare batteries separate from coins, keys, tools and other metal objects.
- Use the original packaging or a protective non-metal battery case for loose batteries.
- Inspect stored batteries regularly for swelling, leaking, damage or excessive heat.
- Keep e-bikes and e-scooters away from hallways, stairs and exit doors.
- Do not store damaged batteries with batteries that are still in use.
Never store a battery that is damaged or overheating
Stop using batteries that are swollen, dented, punctured, leaking, unusually hot or otherwise damaged. Keep them away from anything that can burn, do not place them with regular batteries and arrange for safe disposal as soon as possible.
The Safe Final Step
Recycle batteries safely
A used battery can still contain enough energy to start a fire. Keep lithium-ion batteries out of household garbage and regular recycling, prepare them carefully and take them to an approved drop-off location.
Not in household garbage
Batteries can be crushed or damaged during collection and processing, creating a fire risk for collection crews, vehicles and facilities.
Not in curbside recycling
Do not place batteries in a Blue Box, recycling cart, mixed-paper container or another regular recycling stream.
Never burn a battery
Never place a battery in a fire, fireplace or burn pile. Heating a battery can cause it to rupture, ignite or explode.
Prepare intact batteries for drop-off
These steps apply to used batteries that are cool, stable and do not show signs of damage.
Remove the battery safely
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not force, bend, puncture or dismantle a battery to remove it from a device.
Cover exposed terminals
Apply non-conductive tape, such as electrical tape, over exposed battery terminals to help prevent a short circuit.
Keep batteries separated
Place each lithium battery in a separate plastic bag or keep it in secure original packaging during transport.
Take it directly to a depot
Keep prepared batteries away from children, metal objects and heat, and deliver them to an approved collection location promptly.
Richmond Residents
Richmond Recycling Depot
The depot accepts lithium-ion batteries, household batteries, cell phones and many electronic products for free drop-off by Richmond residents.
5555 Lynas Lane, Richmond Open seven days per week,
9:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Closed on statutory holidays.
Is the battery hot, hissing, smoking, sparking or
burning? Do not touch or transport it. Leave the area, close the
door when possible and call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
Remember the Essentials
Battery safety starts with everyday choices
Lithium-ion batteries are part of daily life. Choosing reliable products, following safe charging practices and recycling batteries correctly can help prevent fires before they begin.
Buy it right
Choose products from trusted manufacturers and retailers. Use the correct battery and a certified charger designed for the device.
Charge it safely
Charge on a hard, clear surface while you are awake. Keep batteries away from heat, combustible materials and escape routes.
Recycle it properly
Never place batteries in household garbage or regular recycling. Protect the terminals and take intact batteries to an approved collection depot.