Hot spell exposes safety risks with power tools

With cordless power tools becoming more common for use off the grid, safety concerns are being raised about the fire risks of devices left unattended in tractors, utes and other vehicles.

The problem centres around lithium-ion batteries that can get very hot if left exposed to sunlight and, if temperatures get hot enough, could explode. Safety advisors suggest that with recent daily temperatures reaching the high 20’s, the internal temperature of parked vehicles can easily approach 40 degrees C when left in direct sunlight. As the lithium-ion battery is an essential part of devices such as mobile phones, laptops and power tools, they should always be stored correctly, preferably, in the case of power tool, with the battery removed from the tool.

Indeed, quite recently, this writer experienced the issue, when he left an i-Phone in the central cubby of an SUV, while he did a 15-minute dash around a supermarket. On his return, he found the phone, protected in a matt black case, was very hot to the touch and displayed a message that read, “This device is overheated, please allow to cool before use”.

In transport circles, lithium-ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods under the Dangerous Goods Code, so every effort should be taken to transport them safely and remove fire risks by storing them away from direct sunlight.