World Premiere of Video on Battery Safety by Prof. Michael Pecht at OECD

Professor Michael Pecht discusses the critical issue of battery fires in this world premiere video, which was unveiled during the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial meeting on consumer protection in Paris. The event, attended by representatives from global safety organizations, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), spotlighted growing concerns about battery safety and emphasized the importance of addressing these risks to ensure consumer protection.

The video explores the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power many everyday devices but also pose significant fire risks. It explains that fires often occur due to thermal runaway—a phenomenon where the battery enters an uncontrollable self-heating state, leading to rapid ignition. Manufacturing defects, physical damage, or overcharging can cause thermal runaway, with fires spreading quickly and causing severe damage or injury.

Experts emphasize that while battery technology is advancing, the quality of manufacturing is critical to ensuring safety. Poorly made batteries, especially from manufacturers with substandard practices, can lead to defects that cause fires and explosions. As the CPSC notes, rigorous safety standards are essential to prevent such risks. There is also a push for high-energy-density batteries to adopt manufacturing standards similar to the semiconductor industry, which emphasizes cleanliness, automation, and inspection. The CPSC advises consumers to use the correct chargers, handle batteries carefully, and stop using devices if the battery shows signs of damage, underscoring its commitment to public safety.

For more information, contact Prof. Michael Pecht.

Prof. Michael Pecht's collaboration with the CPSC:

"Lithium-ion Battery Safety,” Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) Forum, Testimony and Panel, Bethesda, MD, July 27, 2023.