By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
I believe we can all agree that convenience comes with a cost. It might be microwave food that may or may not be good for us. Maybe it’s the fast-food restaurants seemingly on every corner in town, or even the “convenience stores” and their elevated prices. I’ve learned there is another convenience that puts us all at risk for a potential loss, and the cost could be our house, garage, or shop.
All our rechargeable devices put us at risk, whether it is our computers, phones, portable jump starter or other mobile devices. Our rechargeable radios and rechargeable tools also put us at risk. The risk they pose is the risk of fire. Claims experience tells us that the batteries in these devices can start on fire, which generally happens while charging. I have seen a few stories in the newspaper about this. And I’ve seen it in the town where I live, where the charging of batteries started a garage fire that spread to the house and a vehicle parked in front of the garage.
My wife recently shared her co-worker’s personal story with me. The co-worker and her family were watching a movie that kept them up later than their usual bedtime. While they were watching the movie, they smelled something burning. After a little investigation, they found that the charging cord on one of the family members’ phones had started on fire. Thank goodness they were awake to catch it before the house started on fire.
When it comes to road departments, there is not a shop that I go into that doesn’t have rechargeable batteries for the many cordless tools that are available, whether it’s impact wrenches, drills, drivers, grinders or even chainsaws. It is undeniable that all these devices are super convenient, and the benefits can outweigh the risk if they are managed in a way that lowers the risk of fire. I also find that the risk of fire is much higher when using lithium batteries. Lithium batteries have such a high energy density in such a small area that the risk is greater, but all batteries do put us at risk. The following are some steps we can take to lower our risk of fire.
- Make sure that your batteries, chargers, and equipment used with them are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Follow the manufacturer’s storage, use, charging and maintenance instructions.
- Verify that any replacement batteries and chargers are designed and approved for use with your devices.
- Remove all batteries from chargers once they are fully charged. Do not store the batteries on the charger.
- Store the batteries and devices in cool dry places. Preferably in a fire safe cabinet designed for battery storage.
- Inspect your batteries, tools, and devices for damage. If you find damage remove the tools or devices from use. You may need to place them in a fireproof container until you can dispose of them properly.
- Finally, make sure your employees are trained regarding the use and handling procedures that you have or will put in place to mitigate any losses that may occur.
We cannot argue that convenience sometimes comes with a price. You may lose something to gain something else, but hopefully the loss is not your shop, garage, or home. Take a little time today and think about how you are handling all your mobile convenience devices. Figure out a way to store or charge them just a little more safely. Please consider unplugging your devices and charging cords over night while you’re sleeping. If the cord is damaged in any way, discard it, and purchase a new one. Let’s make sure you get home and have a home/workplace to go to everyday.
NIRMA does have the ASSIST grant program available. Members may consider applying for financial assistance through this program to reimburse part of the purchase price of eligible safety equipment. The application deadline for grant applications is November 1. Members may also seek scholarships through this program to attend eligible safety training at any time during the year.
Remember, if you have any safety training needs, do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us here at NIRMA. I would also say that if you just need someone to brainstorm some safety ideas with, we are here to help or listen. I can be reached at kcpawling@nirma.info or 402-310-4417. My office number is 402-742-9236.
