Page 36 - Q4_2021_Corp Newsletter

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
lectronic devices are everywhere
these days. Laptops, cell phones,
E tablets, hotspots, handheld gaming
consoles, and electric cars, and these
devices all share one thing in common:
they rely on Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
batteries to run. The advent of Li-Ion
batteries in 1991 has undoubtedly
changed the world of electronics.
Li-ion batteries have a very high
energy density, no memory effect,
charge quickly, and store their charge
for a long time compared to other
battery types. They have one drawback;
they can prove a safety hazard because
they contain flammable electrolytes.
Li-ion batteries generate heat during charging and
discharging. When the heat generated exceeds the
normal tolerances for the device, damage to the battery
can occur. Once a Li-Ion battery is damaged, the
electrolytes inside the battery can break down into its
basic components, and gas starts to build. A short within
DAMAGED the battery can cause the electrolyte and the built-up
gas to combust, leading to a battery fire or explosion.
LITHIUM-ION How to tell if a Li-Ion Battery
is damaged
BATTERY Li-Ion batteries are, on the whole, very safe to use.
It’s when they become damaged that they can
become dangerous. The most significant indicator
of damage is battery swelling. Once a Li-Ion battery
SAFETY begins to swell, it is damaged, and its usage needs to
be discontinued immediately. When a battery swells,
it usually will break the external case on the laptop
or electronic device. Once you see this indicator on a
computer or device you’re using, it’s crucial to reach out
immediately to your local technician for a replacement.
A loaner device will be on hand or prepared for you,
ARTICLE BY or the affected battery will be replaced right away.
PETER JOLLY We have recently had a Li-Ion battery fire here at
IT HELPDESK MANAGER Rosendin. As a result of this event, we have put in
place safety measures and replacement guidelines
for these damaged batteries. Within each region
where we have a technician, we are designating
an area that is safe for these battery replacements
to occur. A Li-Ion battery fire or explosion is a
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very hazardous event. The fire itself can reach temperatures of 1000°F. The resulting fire is best extinguished with a
Class B fire extinguisher, but you should never attempt to put the fire out by throwing water on the fire or trying to
stomp the fire out. In addition to the fire, the burning battery emits toxic fumes, mainly Hydrogen Flouride gas.
It is vitally important for your safety that you do not attempt to replace a damaged battery on your own or make
any attempt to reduce the swelling in your battery by puncturing the battery envelope. Puncturing a swollen
battery can cause a short, which will result in a fire. Our utmost concern is your safety with these devices.
What to do if you have a swollen battery
If you have a damaged or swollen battery device, please follow the
guidelines below to have your battery replaced by a technician.
1. Discontinue use immediately If you notice the case on
your device swelling or opening at the seams.
2. Send an email to Rosendin’s Helpdesk (support@
rosendin.com) with the subject of “Swollen Battery,”
and someone will get back to you promptly.
3. Call the Helpdesk (1-844-REI-HELP) and inform them specifically
that you have a swollen battery. They will contact your local
IT technician and submit a ticket for them right away. Your
local technician will reach out to you as soon as they can.
4. Make sure your computer is powered off and not plugged
into a docking station or power cable. It’s critical that a
damaged battery no longer be charged. Doing so can cause
the battery to undergo further damage resulting in a fire.
5. Your local technician will either replace the battery or provide a
loaner computer depending on replacement battery availability.
What to do in the event of a battery fire
In the event of a fire, it is vital that you consistently back up your laptop
data. OneDrive is an excellent tool for this where you can easily back up
your desktop and document folder. The IT Helpdesk can help you with the
process. Take some time to know where your fire extinguishers are located
in each of your offices and project sites. If you do not have a Class B fire
extinguisher, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local safety manager.
If you do have a device that experiences a fire, here’s what to do:
1. If your device starts smoking, and you can do so safely, pull
any power connections from the system and get the computer
or device on the floor clear of flammable material.
2. Use a Class B fire extinguisher and extinguish the fire based on the instructions.
• DO NOT attempt to stomp on the device to extinguish the fire.
• DO NOT use water or any other liquid to attempt to put out the fire.
• DO NOT handle the device once it is on fire. Find something to
sweep the laptop or device to the floor if it’s not already there.
3. Call 911 immediately, and evacuate yourself and others, so you are clear
of the smoke from the fire. The smoke contains toxic chemicals.
4. Stay safe and clear of the area until the fire department clears a return to the
space. Laptops, cell phones, and other things can be replaced. People cannot. 
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