What to do during a Lithium Battery Thermal Runaway
This blog is an adaptation of the Procedure for Safely Containing Lithium Battery in Thermal Runaway (Lithium Battery Fire) written by Luke Lacasse
All Lithium Ion batteries have the chance of a thermal runaway, rendering them more dangerous than standard battery packages. As a result of this M5 does not officially support using lithium ion batteries in the makerspace. We do acknowledge that they are going to inevitably be present here so we need a suitable contingency plan.
Signs of a Thermal Runaway in a Lithium Ion Battery
Lithium Cell pouches are puffed/pressurized.
Battery is hot or too hot to touch; especially if not charging or in use
Note: Over time, lithium cells will end up puffing slightly, but when thermal runaway occurs, this puffing happens rapidly and is accompanied by significant heat production and possible emission of gasses and smoke if the cell has been punctured. If you see a lithium cell that is puffed, but cool to the touch; notify a staff member.
A very puffed up battery
What To Do During a Thermal Runaway
If possible, using the silicone tongs, place battery inside of the lithium fire containment vessel and completely cover with sand. Then evacuate the lab, activate the fire alarm, and call 911.
If you cannot bring the container to the battery or if you cannot safely place the battery in the vessel, dump as much sand as you can on it. Then evacuate the lab, activate the fire alarm, and call 911.
IF THE BATTERY IS ALREADY ENGULFED IN FLAMES, EVACUATE THE LAB AND PULL THE FIRE ALARM/CALL 911.
The Lithium Battery Containment Vessel
Location: directly to the left on the machine shop door
Aidan Chin
13 April 2026
Computer Engineering 2026
