Policy Title: Lithium-based Batteries	Category: Public Safety/Risk Management
Owner: Vice President for University Operations	Policy ID#: 6-6008-002
Contact: Environmental Health Services Web: http://www.ehs.colostate.edu/ Email: EHS@ColoState.edu Phone: (970 491-6745	Original Effective Date: 6/30/2025

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe use, storage, disposal, and management of Lithium-based Batteries within the institution. The policy aims to minimize risks associated with Lithium-based Batteries, such as fire hazards, environmental harm, and health impacts. It also promotes sustainable practices through proper recycling and Disposal of these batteries.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to all university employees, students, and visitors who use, handle, store, or dispose of Lithium-based Batteries on university academic and operations property. It includes all devices and equipment powered by Lithium-based Batteries that exceed 100 Watt Hours (Wh). While such batteries are permitted in academic and operational spaces that meet the guidelines of this policy, they are not allowed in university residential spaces such as residence halls and apartments. Prohibited devices include electric scooters, bikes and skateboards, etc.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

None.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Battery Cell: A battery is made up of one or more cells. A battery with one cell is often referred to as a ‘single cell battery ‘. When there is more than one cell, they are connected together internally in series, but from the outside they usually look like a single item (one positive and one negative terminal).

Battery Management System (BMS): An electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery, ensuring safe operation by monitoring battery health, controlling charging/discharging, and preventing risks such as Overcharging, overheating, or short-circuiting.

Certified Recycling Company: An external organization approved to handle the collection, transportation, and recycling of electronic waste, including Lithium-based Batteries, in compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.

Class D Fire Extinguisher: A type of fire extinguisher specifically designed to combat fires involving flammable metals, including lithium and other combustible materials found in Lithium-based Batteries.

Disposal: The process of safely discarding used or damaged Lithium-based Batteries for proper recycling or Disposal through Environmental Health Services.

Emergency Procedures: Predefined actions and guidelines that must be followed in case of an incident involving Lithium-based Batteries, such as a fire, explosion, or leakage, to ensure the safety of individuals and property.

Environmental Health Services (EHS) Department: The department responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, promoting safety practices on university property, and overseeing the implementation of health, safety, and environmental policies, including battery safety.

E-Waste: Electronic waste, which includes discarded electronic devices and components such as Lithium-based Batteries. E-waste often contains Hazardous Materials and must be disposed of properly to prevent environmental harm.

Fire Suppression System: A system designed to control or extinguish fires automatically or manually. For Lithium-based Battery storage areas, appropriate Fire Suppression may include the use of dry powder, Class D Fire Extinguishers, inert gases, or industry approved suppression equipment as water may worsen lithium battery fires.

Hazardous Materials: Substances that pose potential risks to health, safety, or the environment, including Lithium-based Batteries that may leak harmful chemicals or catch fire when improperly handled.

Lithium-based Battery (Li-ion Battery): A rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to store and release energy. These batteries are commonly found in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and other applications requiring high energy density and efficient recharging capabilities.

Li-Polymer (LiPo): A rechargeable battery of lithium-ion technology using a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. It is also known as LiPo, LIP, Li-poly, lithium-poly and others.

Overcharging: A condition where a Lithium-based Battery is charged beyond its specified voltage, which can cause overheating, chemical instability, and potential fire or explosion hazards.

Personal Devices: Electronic devices owned by students or employees, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other portable equipment powered by Lithium-based Batteries, which are used on university property.

Storage Facility: A designated and secure area on university property where Lithium-based Batteries are stored in a controlled environment to minimize risks of fire, overheating, or other hazards.

Sustainability: Practices that aim to minimize negative environmental impacts, promote recycling, and ensure the responsible use of resources, including the proper Disposal and recycling of Lithium-based Batteries to reduce environmental harm.

POLICY STATEMENT

The institution is committed to ensuring that Lithium-based Batteries are handled in a way that ensures personal safety, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance. This policy outlines the appropriate use, storage, Disposal, and recycling of Lithium-based Batteries in line with best practices and relevant laws. Any fire safety measures recommended by this policy will be at the expense of the department. 

POLICY PROVISIONS

Safe Use of all Lithium-based Batteries

1. Proper Use/Charging in university academic and operational facilities:

• Ensure that devices using Lithium-based Batteries are operated according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures, puncturing, or damaging them.
• Charging of Lithium-based Batteries must be done using the appropriate charger to avoid overcharging or overheating.
• Never charge them unattended.
• Do not charge near any combustible material (wood, plastic, paper, etc.)

2. Safety Guidelines:

• Do not attempt to repair, alter, or modify Lithium-based Batteries.
• Keep batteries away from water or conductive materials that may cause a short circuit unless specifically designed to operate in those environments.
• All Lithium-based Batteries must be charged according to manufacturer specifications and within the capacity limits of the charging equipment.
• Students and employees should ensure that their Personal Devices with Lithium-based Batteries meet safety standards and that they are not used in a manner that poses a risk to themselves or others.

Storage of Lithium-based Batteries in university academic and operational facilities.

1. Storage:

• Store Lithium-based Batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable/combustible materials in a fireproof container whenever possible.
• Ensure proper ventilation in storage areas to avoid overheating.
• Avoid storing batteries in direct sunlight or in extreme temperature conditions (below 0°C [32°F] or above 40°C [104°F]).
• Centralized storage areas are required to meet all local fire protection standards.
• Unauthorized personnel should not have access to Lithium-based Battery storage areas.
• The institution will provide secure storage for large quantities of batteries, particularly for departments that use batteries in research or electric vehicles.

Disposal and Recycling of Lithium-based Batteries

1. Proper Disposal:

• Lithium-based Batteries must be disposed of properly.
• Small capacity Lithium-based cell batteries equal to or less than 20 Wh and medium capacity Lithium-based cell batteries equal to or less than 100Wh can be disposed in designated E-Waste collection bins.
• Lithium-polymer batteries and lithium-metal based batteries can only be disposed of by contacting EHS. Never place these types of batteries in an E-Waste collection bin.
• Batteries should not be discarded in regular trash, as they pose environmental hazards and a risk of fire.
• The institution will partner with Certified Recycling Companies to ensure that all Lithium-based Batteries are recycled responsibly.

2. Recycling Initiatives:

• The institution will regularly promote awareness and provide training about battery recycling to ensure compliance.
• Collection points for used batteries will be clearly marked and accessible.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

1. Emergency Procedures:

• In case of a Lithium-based Battery fire or explosion, evacuate the area and report the incident immediately to emergency services.
• Trained personnel will respond to such incidents using appropriate Fire Suppression equipment.
• Do not use water to extinguish Lithium-based Battery fires; use a Class D Fire Extinguisher, fire blanket or sand if available.

2. Incident Reporting:

• Any incidents involving Lithium-based Batteries, such as leaks, overheating, or damage, must be reported immediately to Environmental Health Services (EHS) department.
• The EHS department will investigate all incidents and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Responsibilities

1. Students and Employees:

• Ensure that all Lithium-based Batteries are used, stored, and disposed of according to this policy.
• Report any issues or incidents with Lithium-based Batteries to the appropriate authorities.

2. Environmental Health Services (EHS) Department:

• Oversee the implementation of this policy.
• Conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with battery handling and storage practices.
• Provide regular training and awareness campaigns on Lithium-based Battery safety.

3. Facilities Management:

• Ensure that proper on-site Disposal and recycling facilities are available and accessible.
• Maintain appropriate storage areas for Lithium-based Batteries and ensure fire safety measures are in place.

Training and Awareness

• The institution will provide training on the safe handling, use, storage, and Disposal of Lithium-based Batteries to all relevant employees.
• Educational materials will be made available online and distributed during orientation sessions to ensure that all students and employees are aware of the risks and Best Practices associated with Lithium-based Batteries.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, restricted access to university facilities, or academic penalties for students. Damage caused due to a failure to follow this policy may result in personal liability. For assistance with the interpretation or application of this policy, contact the Emergency Health Services.

REFERENCES

Information supporting this policy

• International Code Council (ICC) Section 1207
• International Fire Code (IFC) Section 320
• U.S Department of Transportation – Lithium Battery Guide for shippers
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855; request form from EHS through the EHS@ColoState.edu email
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 800 (In Review)
• CSU Policy: Wheeled Conveyances

FORMS AND TOOLS

Links to forms, tools, and procedures

• Lithium-Based Batteries Process Guidelines