Importance of Proper Recycling: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries must be recycled rather than disposed of because not recycling them can cause fires. There has been a 41% increase in catastrophic losses at material recovery facilities. Recycling helps the environment and is the safest and most efficient way to process a battery at its end of life.  Never place batteries in regular […]

How to Store and Charge Batteries: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are in all types of devices we use every day. These batteries can be found in cell phones, tablets, electric bikes and scooters, toothbrushes, and backup batteries. When purchased and used correctly, lithium-ion batteries can provide a valuable service, but there is a risk of fire and injury if uncertified batteries or chargers […]

How to Spot Battery Problems: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in cell phones, tablets, laptops, electric bikes and scoters, toothbrushes, and backup batteries, along with other regularly used devices. Damaged or defective batteries can cause fires. Learn how to spot a problem. Signs of a Battery Problem: Change in the battery color Sweet electrical burning odor emitted from the battery […]

How to Recycle Batteries: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Recycling lithium-ion batteries is the only proper way of disposing the battery. Not recycling lithium-ion batteries can cause fires, and by recycling batteries, the valuable materials in them will be reused. Visit Call2Recycle.org to find a local battery recycling location.  Never place batteries in regular waste and recycling bins. They will likely catch fire. To […]

First Responder Safety: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in a number of widely used devices, including e-mobility devices (e-bikes / scooters), electric vehicles, portable energy storage systems, and solar installations. It’s important to identify lithium-ion battery fires due to the unique threats caused by the batteries. Lithium-ion Uses Cellphones Backup batteries Laptops Electric vehicles Commercial and residential solar […]

First Responder Safety – How to Extinguish: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

How to Extinguish Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Lithium-ion battery fires have unique threats, which include reignition and explosion, if they are not extinguished properly. Hazardous energy may still exist even after the battery or device is shut down. Electrolyte Spills Identify chemistry involved to know the response. Reference any pre-plan info if available.  Interview any knowledgeable […]

Damaged EV Battery: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Electric Vehicle Battery Identification & Transportation, After Damage Automotive batteries (12v, hybrid, and EV batteries) pose a risk if not properly prepared and transported, using all necessary standard operating procedures. This danger can be higher if the battery systems in the vehicles have been compromised from an accident. Lithium-ion batteries contain high-energy and present electrical, […]

Electrical Fatalities in the Workplace: 2011 – 2022

Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a total of 1,322 workplace fatalities involving electricity, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). During this period, 70% of fatalities occurred in non-electrically […]

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Survey

In late 2023, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed electric vehicle supply equipment installers, building owners, and electric vehicle owners to understand their knowledge of electric vehicle charging safety and to understand how prepared each group was for EV charging.  Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installers 82% of installers believe EVSE installation should require specific certification […]

2023 AFCI and GFCI Performance Survey

In 2023, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed electrical contractor with experience in electrical contracting, design, engineering, and planning to gain an understanding of the performance of safety devices required in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This survey was conducted in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and Washington with a focus on Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters […]

The Future of Workplace Safety

  ESFI and Wesco’s article, The Future of Workplace Safety, was recently published on EC&M’s website. Read the article here. The Future of Workplace Safety How technology can improve the safety of workers on job sites Shawn Gregg, Brett Brenner Rapid technological advancements are improving the functionality of our lives. But are workplaces advancing to keep […]

We are the Electrical Safety Foundation

The future is electric. With electrification comes the potential for greater hazards. To meet the needs of society, safety is imperative. Together, we can prevent over 6 injuries a day caused by electricity. The Electrical Safety Foundation meets its goals through worker outreach, consumer outreach, the safe use of emerging technology, thought leadership, and partnership […]