Battery Safety (Li-ion & Lead-Acid) — poster

Charge in ventilated areas away from combustibles, on non-flammable surfaces, with the correct charger. Damaged, swollen, or hot batteries never go back on a charger — isolate them outdoors.

Dents, punctures, bulging, hissing, sweet chemical smell = danger. Don't tape it, don't pocket it with keys and coins — metal bridging terminals starts fires in pockets and toolbags.

Wear a face shield and gloves handling batteries; acid burns and eyes don't mix. Connect/disconnect in the right order to avoid sparks near vent gas, and keep flames away from charging areas.

Water cools but may not extinguish; Class D or specialized agents are best, and re-ignition hours later is common. Small device fire: get it outside if safe. Large pack fire: evacuate and call the fire department — tell them it's lithium.