Tag Archives: fire extinguisher

3D Printing, Workshop Safety

Fire Safety In The Workshop: Why A Simple precaution Makes All The Difference

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There is a moment in every workshop when the familiar hum of a machine reminds you how much heat is being generated just out of sight. Whether you are shaping a design with a laser cutter or pushing a long print through the night, both processes rely on concentrated heat and electronics working in perfect harmony. Most of the time everything behaves exactly as expected, but all it takes is a small fault, a stray ember or a damaged cable to turn that hum into something altogether more worrying.

Fire safety is rarely the glamorous side of making, yet it is one of the most important. Over the years I have seen how quickly a small flare can take hold and how easily it can damage tools, materials and the room around them. The risks are low, but they are real, and a little preparation can make an extraordinary difference.

The usual advice stands. Keep machines clean, check wiring regularly, make sure ventilation is clear and never leave cutting material that contains adhesives or unknown coatings unattended. Smoke and heat detectors are essential, as is good airflow and sensible layout. These form the invisible foundation of a safe workshop. They work quietly in the background and never ask for attention.

Then there is the final line of defence. The moment when you see something beginning to smoke or flame and you know you have only seconds to stop it becoming anything serious. Traditionally this has meant reaching for a dry powder extinguisher or a CO2 cylinder. Both will deal with a fire effectively, but both have their drawbacks in a small workshop. Powder settles everywhere and can ruin equipment long after the flames are out. CO2 works well but tends to be large, heavy and not always convenient if you need something you can grab in an instant.

This is where the Fire Safety Stick becomes so valuable. I keep one mounted on the wall near my machines for one simple reason. It allows me to deal with a developing fire without coating the entire workspace in a layer of residue that could permanently damage the very equipment I am trying to save. It produces no settling dust and no lingering film. Once the flame is out there is no clean up and no lasting harm to delicate components, optics or electronics.

The Fire Safety Stick answers many of the concerns that makers often raise. It is compact, straightforward to operate and requires no servicing. It can be used on the types of fires likely to occur around 3D printers and laser cutters, and because the discharge is clean, it allows you to act quickly without wondering how much collateral damage you are about to create. In a space filled with tools, materials and sensitive hardware, that freedom matters.

Fire Safety In The Workshop: Why A Simple precaution Makes All The Difference
Fire Safety In The Workshop: Why A Simple precaution Makes All The Difference

This does not replace sensible precautions. It simply adds a layer of protection that fits naturally into the rhythm of a workshop. You can strike it, place it near the source of the problem and step back, letting it continue to suppress the fire while you stay safe. It buys time, and in an environment where heat and electronics are always working together, time is the most valuable thing you have.

I encourage anyone who spends hours printing, engraving or cutting to think seriously about fire safety. It is easy to assume that nothing will ever go wrong, but experience has taught me that peace of mind is something you only appreciate after the moment you wish you had it. A clear workspace, a basic understanding of your equipment and a Fire Safety Stick within reach is a simple combination that gives you that reassurance.

In a world filled with clever tools and creative possibilities, sometimes the most important equipment is the one you hope you never need to use.

Fire Safety Stick is available in 50 second and 100 second discharge rates and are available from Amazon  at https://amzn.to/48fRCob

Batteries, Chargers, Fire Suppression, Laptops

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Dangers and Safety Measures

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Lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in our everyday life, powering everything from our smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and even some of our home appliances. But like most technological advancements, they come with their own set of risks. In this post, we’ll delve into the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries and how we can take steps to mitigate these risks and keep ourselves safe.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Dangers and Safety Measures
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Dangers and Safety Measures

Understanding the Risks

Let’s take a closer look at the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries:

1. Thermal Runaway and Fire Risk: This is the most significant danger. Thermal runaway is a chain reaction within the battery that can result in the release of a large amount of energy in a short time. This process can be triggered if the battery is overcharged, physically damaged, or exposed to excessive heat, leading to an internal short circuit. The ensuing heat can cause the battery to ignite or even explode. What’s more, the fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries are notoriously difficult to extinguish because the battery essentially fuels itself.

2. Toxic and Corrosive Materials: Lithium-ion batteries are filled with potentially toxic and corrosive materials. If the battery leaks or is punctured, these substances can escape, leading to burns upon contact and respiratory problems if inhaled.

3. Overcharging and Overheating: Overcharging or charging at a temperature too high can severely damage lithium-ion batteries, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.

4. Environmental Hazards: This may not pose an immediate personal danger, but it’s an important point nonetheless. The extraction of lithium and other metals used in these batteries can lead to environmental degradation, and improper disposal contributes to pollution.

5. Swelling: In certain situations, lithium-ion batteries can experience swelling due to gas buildup triggered by factors such as overcharging, overheating, or physical damage. This swelling can potentially rupture the battery or damage the device housing it.

professional stock photo of an electric bike laying on it's side on a road in London a small lithium-ion fire in it's battery -ar 21:9
professional stock photo of an electric bike laying on it’s side on a road in London a small lithium-ion fire in it’s battery -ar 21:9

Keeping Safe: Steps to Mitigate the Risks

Awareness of these risks is the first step to safety. Here are some preventive measures we can adopt:

1. Correct Charging Practices: Use the charger that comes with your device whenever possible, as it’s designed to protect your battery. Avoid overcharging your appliances and ensure they are charged at a moderate temperature.

2. Mind the Temperature: Lithium-ion batteries don’t fare well under high temperatures, so keep your devices away from direct sunlight or hot cars. Similarly, extremely cold environments can also affect the battery’s performance and lifespan.

3. Physical Protection: Avoid causing physical damage to the batteries. A puncture or severe impact can lead to internal short-circuiting, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.

4. Regular Inspection: Watch out for any signs of battery damage, such as bulging, excessive heat, or leaking. If you notice anything unusual, stop using the device and contact the manufacturer or a professional.

5. Safe Disposal: Don’t just toss your old devices into the regular trash. Many retailers and local waste facilities will accept old electronics for recycling. This helps to minimize environmental impact.

Lithium-ion batteries have made our life wirelessly efficient, but with this convenience comes responsibility. Following these safety measures can help us enjoy our devices while minimizing potential hazards. After all, as with most things in life, prevention is better than cure.

What steps should be taken when a lithium fire happens?

Dealing with a lithium-ion battery fire requires special precautions due to the intense heat and potentially toxic fumes they can generate. Here are steps to take in case of a lithium-ion battery fire:

  1. Call Emergency Services: The first and most important step is to alert the authorities.  Call 999! While waiting for their arrival, try to evacuate the building or area to ensure personal safety.
  2. Evacuate the Area: Lithium-ion battery fires can release toxic fumes. Ensure everyone has evacuated the area and maintain a safe distance from the fire.
  3. Ventilate the Area: If it is safe to do so, open windows or doors to provide ventilation and disperse the fumes.
  4. Do Not Attempt to Move the Battery or Device: A burning or overheating lithium-ion battery can explode, so it’s vital not to move the device or attempt to remove the battery.
  5. Let the Fire Burn Out: Sometimes, the safest action is to let the fire burn out on its own while ensuring it doesn’t spread. This may be the safest option if the fire cannot be extinguished or if it reignites.
  6. Fire Extinguishers: In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, using a traditional fire extinguisher might not be effective, and could potentially exacerbate the situation. Here’s why:

    Electrolyte Spreading: Using a traditional fire extinguisher, which usually expels a forceful stream of extinguishing agent, could spread the burning electrolyte present in lithium-ion batteries, potentially expanding the area of the fire.

    Ineffectiveness at Cooling: Traditional fire extinguishers aren’t as effective at cooling the fire down to temperatures where reignition won’t occur. One of the primary dangers of a lithium-ion battery fire is that it can reignite after being initially extinguished if the battery remains above its self-ignition temperature.

    Chemical Reactions: Some fire extinguishing agents might not react well with the materials in the battery, potentially leading to harmful chemical reactions.

Remember, never put yourself or others at unnecessary risk. Always wait for professional help if the fire is too large or dangerous to handle.

The Fire Safety Stick.
The Fire Safety Stick.

Finally, prevention is the best approach to lithium-ion battery fires. Always use and maintain devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and monitor them for any signs of swelling, overheating, or other unusual behaviour.