The Power Tool Institute is encouraging consumers, contractors, and educators to “take charge of their battery” through an education and awareness campaign that promotes the safe use of lithium-ion batteries in power tools.
The Power Tool Institute’s campaign describes ways to reduce risks by choosing batteries from the original power tool manufacturer – which are designed to share the same circuitry and best operate with matching power tools – and avoid aftermarket or counterfeit batteries, which may not undergo the same safety testing. It also explains how to properly store and transport the batteries to limit risks, and how to recognize indicators that a battery is no longer operating properly and how to safely dispose of it.
“Lithium-ion batteries are quickly becoming more common in power tools and are revolutionary for their increased efficiency, energy storage capacity and durability,” said Susan Orenga of the Power Tool Institute. “But what many don’t realize is that these batteries also come with some serious risks when used improperly. We hope to reach as many consumers, contractors and educators as possible with this campaign to significantly reduce the risks associated with improper use of lithium-ion batteries.”
More information about the campaign can be found here: takechargeofyourbattery.com.
