ARE HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES DANGEROUS?

Duracell, Energizer and the big names in the world of disposable batteries have some very pointed advice when it comes to using their batteries, including a list of precautions and safety advice. It’s enough to make you question the general safety of using alkaline batteries especially for parents who may be concerned about their kids using battery operated toys and games.

So to answer the title of this post – are household batteries dangerous?  The answer is no – if they are used correctly. But how can you make sure you’re using them correctly to avoid any potential hazards? As the Brisbane battery specialists, we give some pointed advice of our own in this post – not to alarm battery users, but to use them effectively and mitigate any risk.

•    Remove batteries from devices that you are not planning to use for a few months.

•    Remove batteries from any portable devices if they are being powered through household electricity instead.

•    Store batteries in normal dry conditions, and avoid leaving batteries or devices containing batteries in extreme temperatures as this lowers performance.

•    Never attempt to recharge a battery unless it’s marked as rechargeable.

•    Never try to disassemble a battery or place batteries in water.

•    Avoid touching a battery which has leaked with bare hands – wear gloves instead.

DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR GENERAL USE ALKALINE BATTERIES

Firstly NEVER dispose of batteries in a fire as this can cause an explosion. This is particularly important using battery operated devices such as flashlights around a campsite.

It is safe to dispose of household batteries in general waste, however lithium batteries used in mobile and cordless phones, laptops and power tools should be recycled since their chemicals are a greater environmental risk. We offer recycling services for lithium batteries at Battery Central.

A large quantity of batteries should not be disposed together as they are usually not completely dead and can be a safety risk if these batteries react with each other.

Household batteries are safe to use, but their chemical nature gives them properties which can cause reactions if they are not used in their intended way.

Stay tuned to our blogs for upcoming advice on using and recycling batteries correctly, brought to you by the team of battery specialists here at Battery Central.