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<DIV>I just received this alert from the AMA that I thought I would pass on to
the list</DIV>
<DIV> John S.</DIV>
<DIV> Buffalo,
NY</DIV>
<DIV style=""background: " #cccccc\?>----- Forwarded Message -----</DIV>
<DIV><B>From:</B> "Safety Committee" <<A
href="mailto:safety@modelaircraft.org">safety@modelaircraft.org</A>></DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> "John A Santonocito" <<A
href="mailto:flyboy422@juno.com">flyboy422@juno.com</A>></DIV>
<DIV><B>Date:</B> Fri, 23 Apr 2004 15:22:11 -0500</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> AMA Safety Committee Announcement - April 23rd, 2004 -
Lithium Battery Hazard</DIV>
<DIV><B>Message-ID:</B> <<A
href="mailto:7f0ee483f16e47d28b5da26d3c073354@modelaircraft.org">7f0ee483f16e47d28b5da26d3c073354@modelaircraft.org</A>></DIV>
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<DIV> </DIV>
<H1>EMERGENCY SAFETY ALERT</H1>
<P>
<H2>Lithium Battery Fires</H2>
<P>Lithium batteries are becoming very popular for powering the control and
power systems in our models. This is true because of their very high energy
density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to NiCads or other batteries. With high
energy comes increased risk in their use. The, principal, risk is FIRE which can
result from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. All
vendors of these batteries warn their customers of this danger and recommend
extreme caution in their use. In spite of this <B>many</B> fires have occurred
as a result of the use of Lithium Polymer batteries, resulting in loss of
models, automobiles, and other property. Homes and garages and workshops have
also burned. A lithium battery fire is <B>very hot</B> (several thousand
degrees) and is an excellent initiator for ancillary (resulting) fires. Fire
occurs due to contact between Lithium and oxygen in the air. <B>It does not need
any other source of ignition, or fuel to start</B>, and burns almost
explosively.
<P>These batteries must be used in a manner that precludes ancillary fire. The
following is recommended:
<P>
<OL>
<LI><B>Store, and charge, in a fireproof container</B>; never in your model.
<P></P>
<LI>Charge in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over
the charging process. <B>Never leave the charging process unattended</B>.
<P></P>
<LI>In the event of damage from crashes, etc, carefully remove to a safe place
for at least a half hour to observe. Physically damaged cells could erupt into
flame, and, after sufficient time to ensure safety, should be discarded in
accordance with the instructions which came with the batteries. <B>Never
attempt to charge a cell with physical damage</B>, regardless of how slight.
<P></P>
<LI>Always use chargers designed for the <B>specific</B> purpose, preferably
having a fixed setting for your particular pack. Many fires occur in using
selectable/adjustable chargers improperly set. Never attempt to charge Lithium
cells with a charger which is not, specifically, designed for charging Lithium
cells. <B>Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries</B>.
<P></P>
<LI>Use charging systems that monitor and control the charge state of each
cell in the pack. Unbalanced cells can lead to disaster if it permits
overcharge of a single cell in the pack. If the batteries show <B>any sign of
swelling</B>, discontinue charging, and <B>remove them to a safe place
outside</B> as they could erupt into flames.
<P></P>
<LI>Most important: <B>NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE
UNATTENDED OVERNIGHT</B>. Serious fires have resulted from this practice.
<P></P>
<LI>Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from individual cells.
<P></P></LI></OL>These batteries CANNOT be handled and charged casually such as
has been the practice for years with other types of batteries. The consequence
of this practice can be very serious resulting in major property damage and/ or
personal harm
<P>
<DIV><B>Safety Committee<BR>Academy of Model Aeronautics</B><BR></DIV>5161 E
Memorial Drive<BR>Muncie, IN 47302<BR></BODY></HTML>