Rechargeable batteries are now part of almost every piece of modern technology. Laptops, phones, tablets, wireless headsets, hotspots, scanners, power tools, backup power units, and lots of small everyday devices all depend on compact, high-energy batteries to work. Most of us don’t even think about them anymore. They’re just part of how things are powered.
As more equipment becomes portable and cordless, batteries are showing up in more places than they did even a few years ago. That convenience is great, but it also brings a new set of safety and liability risks that many organizations haven’t fully thought through yet.
Fires linked to damaged or mishandled batteries are becoming more common, with many incidents starting in normal work areas like offices, storage rooms, loading docks, and staging spaces where electronics are handled and stored.
With National Battery Day coming up on February 18, we’re sharing a short, practical four-part series focused on battery fire risk in electronics. The goal is to break down where the risk comes from, why it matters from both a safety and legal standpoint, and what to watch for during normal handling.
Why batteries create a different kind of fire risk
Lithium-based batteries pack a lot of energy into a very small space. When everything is working the way it should, they’re generally safe. Problems start when batteries get damaged, crushed, overheated, shorted out, or stored in ways that let metal touch the terminals or batteries rub against each other.
When a lithium battery fails, it can go into something called thermal runaway. In simple terms, that means the battery heats up very quickly and can catch fire. These fires don’t behave like a normal office or warehouse fire. They burn much hotter, can release toxic gases, and in some cases can flare back up even after they seem to be put out.
Because batteries are built into so many everyday devices, this kind of risk can show up in places people don’t usually think of as “high risk.” A small device with a damaged battery can create the same fire hazard as much larger equipment.
Why this is a legal and liability issue, not just a safety issue
Battery-related fires aren’t just a safety concern. They can quickly turn into a legal and liability issue as well.
As more data and guidance becomes available about lithium battery risks, organizations are increasingly expected to take reasonable steps to manage that risk. When an incident happens, one of the first questions is often how the batteries were being handled, stored, and moved before the event.
Battery fires can lead to:
- Property damage and temporary shutdowns
- Injuries and emergency response involvement
- Insurance claims and possible premium increases
- Fire code or regulatory scrutiny
- Loss of equipment and records
For organizations that already operate under safety, compliance, or insurance requirements, unmanaged battery risk can look less like a one-off accident and more like a gap in normal risk management. Treating batteries as part of everyday electronics handling and safety planning helps show that reasonable care is being taken.
Common battery types found in everyday electronics
Most fire incidents connected to electronics handling involve lithium-based batteries.
Common examples include:
- Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries found in laptops, phones, tablets, power banks, wireless accessories, and many small electronics
- Lithium metal batteries commonly found in small button or coin cells used in key fobs, access devices, trackers, and compact devices
Devices that often contain these batteries include:
- Laptops and tablets
- Mobile phones and hotspots
- Wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets
- Portable battery packs
- Handheld scanners and access control devices
- Small backup power units and battery packs
- Cordless tools and other small powered devices
One of the challenges is that many batteries are built into devices and aren’t obvious. Something that looks simple on the outside may actually contain multiple battery cells inside. Without basic awareness, these items can end up being handled the same way as non-battery electronics, which increases the chance of damage.
What to watch for when handling or storing electronics
Battery problems often give warning signs before a serious failure happens. Helping staff recognize these signs can go a long way toward reducing risk.
Things to watch for include:
- Swelling or bulging in a device or battery pack
- Cracks, punctures, or leaking fluid
- Devices that feel unusually warm
- Hissing sounds, strange smells, or visible smoke
- Burn marks or discoloration
- Devices that won’t power down normally
If any of these show up, the safest move is to isolate the device and follow your internal escalation process. Batteries should not be crushed, punctured, taped, or squeezed in an attempt to make them “safe.”
If it’s not clear whether a device contains a lithium battery, it’s better to assume that it does and handle it carefully until you can confirm otherwise.
early awareness makes a difference
A lot of battery-related incidents start with small, everyday handling issues. Devices dropped into bins, stacked under heavy items, mixed with metal objects, or left in busy, high-traffic areas can end up damaged in ways that aren’t obvious right away.
Simply recognizing that most electronics contain batteries helps teams make safer choices in how equipment is moved, stored, and staged. Battery safety doesn’t require complicated systems or special equipment. It starts with awareness, basic handling habits, and clear steps for what to do when something doesn’t look right.
Want help reducing battery risk in your electronics handling process?
If your organization handles, stores, or stages electronics— batteries are already part of your risk profile. Taking a closer look at how devices are identified, moved, and stored can significantly reduce fire risk and operational disruption.
If you’d like help reviewing your current electronics handling practices, identifying battery risk points, or tightening up internal processes to reduce risk, SEAM can help. Reach out to learn how to reduce risk before small issues turn into bigger problems.
Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategy and Information at SEAM, specializing in building partnerships with businesses of all sizes. He ensures clients effectively navigate secure data destruction, responsible recycling, and maximize the resale value of their IT equipment while staying compliant with evolving regulations.