How to handle lithium-ion batteries

General advice

• Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• For long-term storage, keep the battery at around 50% charge and recharge it every few months.
• Do not modify, disassemble or open the battery.
• Do not expose the battery to open flames, excessive heat, direct sunlight or temperatures above 60°C (140°F).
• Keep the battery away from metal objects such as keys or coins that could short-circuit the contacts.
• Only use approved Profoto chargers designed for the battery.
• When travelling, keep batteries in your carry-on luggage and follow the airline’s rules for lithium batteries.

Lithium-ion battery that has been damaged or stopped working?

A battery that has been dropped, hit, crushed or punctured can be damaged inside even if it looks fine. Internal damage can cause the battery to overheat, and in rare cases catch fire.

• Stop using it immediately
  Don’t charge it or connect it to any product. Only use approved Profoto chargers and never attempt to charge a battery that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold until it has returned to a normal temperature.
  
  
• Check for warning signs
  such as swelling, cracks, leaking, excessive heat, discoloration, deformation, smoke, hissing or a chemical smell. 
  
  
• Move it to a safe place
  outdoors or on a non-flammable surface such as concrete or stone, away from anything that could catch fire
  
  
• If the battery becomes hot, swollen, discolored or deformed, 
  stop using it immediately. If it starts smoking or catches fire, keep a safe distance and avoid inhaling potentially toxic smoke or fumes. Only attempt to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so and you have suitable firefighting equipment for Lithium-batteries. Evacuate the area and contact emergency services if the situation poses a risk to people or property.
  
  
• If battery fluid leaks
  avoid contact with the liquid. If battery fluid comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical attention.

Recycle of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries should never go into the household waste. They contain materials that can harm the environment, and a battery thrown in the bin can cause a fire in waste trucks or sorting facilities. 

• Never throw in the household waste
  
  
• Take it to a recycling station
  Hand the battery in at your local recycling center or a battery collection point. Many electronics stores also accept used batteries. Rules for battery collection vary between countries, check local regulations.
  
  
• Protect the contacts
  Cover the battery terminals with tape so they can’t short-circuit during transport.
  
  
• Handle damaged batteries with extra care
  If the battery is swollen, leaking or damaged, put it in a non-flammable container and say that it’s damaged when you hand it in.