Battery Safety & Care

Lithium-ion batteries are a reliable and efficient source of power when they are used, charged and stored correctly. Like all high-energy batteries, they require appropriate care and handling to help maintain performance and reduce the risk of damage or failure. This guide provides practical information on safely charging, using, storing and disposing of your battery, as well as the warning signs to look out for. Always follow any product-specific instructions supplied with your battery or equipment.

Battery Safety Information

Always use the charger supplied with your battery or a charger specifically confirmed as compatible with that battery. A plug that fits does not necessarily mean a charger is suitable.

Allow the battery to cool after use before charging. Charge on a hard, stable, non-flammable surface away from paper, cardboard, carpet, bedding, clothing and other combustible materials.

Do not leave a battery charging while you are asleep or away from the property. Disconnect the charger once charging is complete. Never charge a battery that is damaged, swollen, leaking, unusually hot or behaving abnormally.

Never force a battery into a device, holder or connector. If it does not fit correctly, stop and confirm that the battery is compatible.

Never short-circuit the positive and negative terminals. Keep battery terminals away from keys, tools, coins, jewellery and other conductive objects.

Do not crush, puncture, dismantle, modify or deliberately damage a lithium-ion battery. Do not bypass the Battery Management System (BMS) or other protection systems.

Protect the battery from impacts, excessive heat, water and moisture. Avoid completely discharging the battery, and do not repeatedly attempt to use equipment after it has shut down due to low battery charge.

Store batteries in a cool, dry and well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, moisture and flammable materials.

For extended storage, a charge level of approximately 40–60% is a practical general target unless different instructions have been provided for your particular battery.

Avoid storing lithium-ion batteries fully charged or completely discharged for long periods. Check the battery periodically during storage and recharge it to an appropriate storage level when required.

Protect exposed battery terminals so they cannot accidentally contact conductive materials.

Stop using or charging the battery if you notice any of the following:

• distortion, bulging or deformation of the battery pack, casing or individual cells

• cracks, dents, punctures or crushing

• leaking fluid

• unusual or excessive heat

• an unusual or pungent smell

• discolouration or blistering

• popping, hissing or crackling sounds

• smoke or fumes

• damaged wiring, connectors or casing

A failing lithium-ion battery can release extremely hot, flammable and potentially harmful gases.

If a battery is smoking, venting gas or on fire, move away from it immediately. Evacuate the area, keep other people away and call Triple Zero (000).

Do not breathe the smoke or fumes and do not touch a swollen, ruptured, smoking or burning battery. Do not put yourself at risk attempting to move a failing battery.

Loose lithium-ion cells require careful handling and should only be used in suitable battery systems and applications.

Never allow the positive and negative terminals of a loose cell to contact metal objects or other cells in a way that could cause a short circuit.

When not installed in an appropriate battery assembly, keep cells individually protected in a suitable non-conductive container or cell holder.

Do not carry loose cells in pockets, bags or toolboxes where they may contact keys, coins, tools or other metal objects. Never crush, puncture, dismantle, short-circuit or expose cells to excessive heat.

Do not use or charge a battery that has been significantly damaged, crushed, punctured or submerged in water.

A battery can be unsafe even when there is no obvious external damage.

If a Marsen battery has been involved in an accident, suffered a significant impact, been submerged or otherwise damaged, contact us for advice before attempting to charge or use it again.

Lithium-ion batteries must not be placed in household rubbish or household recycling bins. Damaged batteries can start fires in bins, collection vehicles and waste facilities.

Protect exposed battery terminals before transporting batteries for recycling so they cannot short-circuit.

Used lithium-ion batteries should be taken to an appropriate battery recycling or collection facility. Damaged, swollen or otherwise unsafe batteries should not be placed in a standard battery collection bin. Contact your local council, transfer station or battery recycler for advice on safe disposal.