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.
Font Size: |
Fire & Life Safety
Small batteries.
Serious fire safety.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day. When damaged, improperly charged or paired with the wrong charger, they can overheat and cause a fire.
A few simple habits can help you buy, charge, store and dispose of batteries safely.
Start With Safe Charging
Charge on a hard, stable surface
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.
Choose equipment designed and certified for your device
Use the correct battery
Use the original battery supplied with the device. When a replacement is needed, contact the product manufacturer or retailer and confirm that the battery is made for your exact model.
Match 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.
Look Before You Plug In
Look 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
Lithium-ion batteries should be charged with care. Safe charging habits can help reduce the risk of overheating, battery failure and fire.
Charge on a hard, flat surface
Always charge batteries and battery-powered devices on a stable, hard surface where heat can dissipate. Avoid charging on beds, couches, chairs or other soft surfaces.
01
Keep charging devices uncovered
Do not cover a charging battery or device with pillows, blankets, clothing or other materials that can trap heat.
02
Charge where you can keep an eye on it
Avoid charging while you are asleep or away from home. If something changes, you want to notice it quickly.
03
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Use the charging instructions provided for the device and battery. Overcharging or improper use can increase risk.
04
Unplug when charging is complete
Once fully charged, disconnect the charger and store it safely.
Safe charging starts with where and how you charge
Never Charge a Battery
Avoid these common mistakes
On a bed, couch, pillow or carpet
Under blankets, clothing or other materials
Near paper, curtains or anything that can burn
In direct sunlight or near a heat source
If the battery is swollen, leaking, damaged or unusually hot
With a damaged, incompatible or uncertified charger
Keep Your Way Out Clear
Never charge large battery-powered devices near an exit
Do not charge e-bikes, e-scooters or other large battery-powered devices in a hallway, stairwell, doorway or other location where they could block your escape during a fire.
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.
If something looks, smells, sounds or feels wrong,
stop using the battery.
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.
Warning
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.
Emergency
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.
Ride it. Park it. Charge it safely.
01
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.
02
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.
03
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 systems
Look for recognized safety certification
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.
Cool. Dry. Protected. Away from anything 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
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.
Do Not Store
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.
Batteries belong at an approved recycling 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.
Before You Go
Prepare intact batteries for drop-off
These steps apply to used batteries that are cool, stable and do not show signs of damage.
01
Remove the battery safely
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not force, bend, puncture or dismantle a battery to remove it from a device.
02
Cover exposed terminals
Apply non-conductive tape, such as electrical tape, over exposed battery terminals to help prevent a short circuit.
03
Keep batteries separated
Place each lithium battery in a separate plastic bag or keep it in secure original packaging during transport.
04
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.
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. A few simple choices can help reduce the risk of overheating, battery failure and fire.
01
Buy it right
Choose trusted products and use the correct battery and charger for the device.
02
Charge it safely
Charge on a hard, clear surface while you are awake, and keep batteries away from heat and anything that can burn.
03
Recycle it properly
Keep batteries out of household garbage and regular recycling. Take intact batteries to an approved collection location.