The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace. To commemorate National Electrical Safety Month each May, ESFI spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss.

ESFI’s National Electrical Safety Month 2024 campaign features a comprehensive collection of new and updated resources to help facilitate an effective electrical safety awareness campaign for your community, organization, school, or family.

The 2024 National Electrical Safety Month 2024 campaign will focus on lithium-ion battery safety. Lithium-ion batteries power the devices we rely on every day. These batteries can be found in cell phones, tablets, laptops, electric scooters and bikes, 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 are used.

In normal applications, the Li-ion batteries are safe, but if damaged or overheated, they can cause fires. Follow the tips below to stay safe.

• Only use manufacturer-provided or authorized batteries and charging equipment. All equipment should be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
• Remove the battery or charging device from power once charging is complete to avoid overheating
• Keep batteries and charge them at room temperature. Issues can occur below 32° F or above 105° F
• Keep batteries and devices from heat sources or anything that can catch fire
• Do not store batteries in vehicles or direct sunlight
• All maintenance on batteries or e-mobility devices should be completed by a qualified professional

Discontinue using devices or batteries that have an unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, are leaking, smoking, or not keeping a charge.

To learn more, visit: https://www.esfi.org/.../national-electrical-safety-month/

HazTek LLC offers professional training on more than 75 different topics — including electrical safety (NFPA 70e). We can also provide customized training based on your policies and procedures. To learn how HazTek can help, please contact us at: 888-842-9835 or info@haztekinc.com or go to http://haztekinc.com

Credit: ESFI

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