OSHA Collects Resources for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

OSHA has published a webpage that collects information on lithium-ion batteries, which are used in devices from mobile phones to large energy storage systems that support power grids. The webpage outlines potential hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries, including chemical and electrical hazards as well as thermal runaway, a reaction that can be caused by battery manufacturing defects, mechanical damage to a battery, exposing a battery to excessive heat or cold, or improperly charging a battery.

According to the Energy Information Administration, lithium-ion batteries are used in the “majority of U.S. utility-scale [battery energy storage systems].” A fact sheet published by OSHA last year (PDF) explains that the lithium cells in these batteries “[convert] chemical potential energy into electrical energy using lithium ions or lithium metal.” 

OSHA provides a list of standards for general industry, shipyard employment, maritime terminals, and construction that may apply to lithium-ion battery hazards. Resources for evaluating exposures and controlling hazards related to lithium-ion batteries are also available via the agency’s new webpage.

Related: The Synergist article “Accelerating Toward New Hazards,” published in January 2022, addresses lithium-ion batteries and thermal runaway as part of a discussion about protecting workers during the transition to electric vehicles. Another Synergist article published earlier this year focused on emerging energy technologies as well as monitoring and response for hydrogen fuel and lithium-ion battery hazards.