Cooperative Living January 2021 - 26

SafetySense | Story courtesy of Family Features
Properly Powered
Tips for proper use of batteryoperated
power tools
W
hile battery-powered tools
are convenient options for
efficiently tackling projects
around the house and on the job site,
contractors and DIYers still need to
know how to safely operate and handle
the tools. Another important safety
aspect to keep in mind is battery
selection.
Lithium-ion batteries have become
the industry-standard energy source
for cordless power tools due to their
energy-storage capabilities, durability,
versatility and portability.
However, counterfeit batteries -
third-party batteries that appear to
be from the original equipment
manufacturer - and knockoff batteries
are surfacing in the marketplace at a
lower cost than OEM batteries.
These counterfeit and knockoff
batteries have not been evaluated as a
part of the tool, battery and charging
system, where an independent
certification lab, such as UL, CSA or
ETL, tests and evaluates the product
for compliance with ANSI and
internationally accepted safety
standards.
Using a lithium-ion battery that is
not specifically designed for a specific
tool and charger system can result in
poor performance, shorter life and
damage to the tool and charger. This
can also void a tool's warranty or cause
a battery to fail, which might cause a
fire or explosion that could lead to
personal injury or property damage.
Because some counterfeit and
knockoff batteries can be difficult to
distinguish from OEM, it is important
to purchase batteries from authorized
dealers and distributors. If you have
questions about your battery being a
genuine OEM product, contact the
power tool manufacturer.
In addition to the potential dangers
of using unauthorized batteries, the
higher energy potential in lithium-ion
24 | Cooperative Living | January 2021
Lithium-ion
batteries are the
industry-standard
energy source for
cordless power
tools.
batteries, even OEMs, can lead to
potential damage when misused.
Prior to operating a battery-powered
tool, consider these tips for safe
selection, use, transportation and
disposal from the experts at the Power
Tool Institute, the leading organization
for power tool safety resources,
information and education, and its
members, who represent power tool
brands.
SELECTION AND USE
* Batteries are not interchangeable,
so it's important to only use batteries
and chargers from the original power
tool manufacturer.
* Never modify, disassemble or tamper
with a battery. The performance
of modified batteries can be
unpredictable and dangerous.
* Inspect batteries regularly for
signs of damage, such as crushing,
cuts, punctures or leaking fluids.
If a battery is damaged, do not use
it and contact the manufacturer.
* Never immerse your tool,
battery pack or charger in liquid
or allow liquid to enter it.
* Use and store your battery within
the temperature limits stated
by the manufacturer.
* As a general practice, it is best
to unplug battery chargers and
remove battery packs when not
in use. Do not store batteries
on their chargers.
TRANSPORTATION AND
DISPOSAL
* Always transport and store
lithium-ion batteries as instructed
in the instruction manual.
* Do not allow metal objects, such
as keys, coins, screws and nails,
to contact the battery terminals.
* When disposing of a lithium-ion
battery, take it to a local recycling
center or place it in a receptacle
designed for batteries. Throwing it
in the trash or municipal recycling
can pose a fire hazard. 
To find more information, visit takechargeofyourbattery.com or powertoolinstitute.com
for additional power tool safety and operation tips.
co-opliving.com
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
http://www.takechargeofyourbattery.com http://www.powertoolinstitute.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living January 2021

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