Sonoma State University

Lithium Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power our everyday campus life—from laptops to e-bikes. They’re efficient and reliable, but if damaged, poorly made, or improperly charged, they can overheat and enter thermal runaway—releasing toxic gases, intense heat, and even flames. The good news: most incidents are preventable.

Quick Takeaways

  • Use the right charger. Only the manufacturer’s or a certified equivalent.
  • Don’t charge unattended or overnight in public buildings.
  • Keep batteries off beds, couches, paper piles, and under pillows.
  • Stop using immediately if a battery is swollen, hot, leaking, or smells sweet/solvent-like.
  • Call 911 if a device smokes, pops, or catches fire—evacuate and close doors.

Common Sources for Li-ion Batteries

  • Phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, power banks
  • Wireless earbuds/headsets, smart watches
  • E-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, skateboards
  • Vapes/e-cigarettes, camera gear, drones (small)
  • Drones/UAS, robotics, sensors, data loggers
  • Battery-powered tools (drivers, saws), UPS units
  • Portable medical/assistive devices (wheelchairs, carts)
  • Two-way radios
  • Cameras
  • Portable power stations/“solar generators”

Safe Use & Charging

  • Use certified equipment: Look for listings such as UL (e.g., UL 2054/62133 for packs; UL 2849 for e-bikes; UL 2272 for personal e-mobility electrical systems).
  • Right place, right surface: Charge on a clean, dry, hard surface with space around the device—never on soft, combustible surfaces.
  • Keep it supervised: Do not leave devices charging unattended or overnight.
  • Cords & bricks matter: Replace frayed cables; avoid “fast-charge” knockoffs. If it’s hot to the touch, unplug and inspect.
  • Mind the heat: Keep devices out of direct sun, hot cars, and near heaters. Don’t cover devices while charging.
  • One strike rule: If water-exposed or visibly damaged: stop using, don’t charge and stop using.

E-Bikes, E-Scooters & Micromobility

  • Where to park/charge: E-bikes and other micromobility devices (excluding those used to accomodate a disability) may not be charged in non-residential buildings.  Residents may charge these devices inside units using the manufacturers cord (no extension cords) and when the device is not in a hallway, stairwell, or other exit route.  Charge only as long as necessary and only when monitored.
  • Certified systems only: Prefer UL-listed systems (e.g., UL 2849 for e-bikes; UL 2272 for e-scooters/hoverboards). Avoid aftermarket conversions and unknown “high-capacity” packs.
  • Transport wisely: Turn off before entering buildings; don’t ride indoors or in elevators.
  • Battery health: If the pack is swollen, cracked, water-damaged, or smells unusual—isolate it, do not charge.

Recognizing a Battery in Trouble

Warning signs: device/battery is very hot, swollen, hissing, popping, smoking, or smells sweet/solvent-like.

If you see/feel/smell these signs:

  • Stop charging; power off if safe to do so.
  • Move people away; do not pick up a smoking or swollen device.
  • Close doors to contain smoke; pull the fire alarm if there’s fire or heavy smoke.
  • Call 911 and report a “lithium-ion battery incident (or fire).”

Disposal & Recycling

  • Never trash batteries.
    • Employees should put in a work order to have batteries picked up by Facilities Management.  
    • Campus residents and community residents without household garbage collection can take batteries to a community drop off location.  A list of participating locations can be found on the Zero Waste Sonoma website.
    • Residents of Sonoma County can leave batteries in a plastic bag or other container and place on top of your garbage can on any pick up day for Recology to collect and safely dispose.
  • Prep for drop-off. Tape exposed terminals; place each battery in a separate bag.