I just got this today,hope it will help somebody.

EMERGENCY SAFETY ALERT

Lithium Battery Fires

Lithium batteries are becoming very popular for powering the control and power systems in our
models. This is true because of their very high energy density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to
NiCads or other batteries. With high energy comes increased risk in their use. The, principal, risk is
FIRE which can result from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. All vendors
of these batteries warn their customers of this danger and recommend extreme caution in their use.
In spite of this many fires have occurred as a result of the use of Lithium Polymer batteries, resulting
in loss of models, automobiles, and other property. Homes and garages and workshops have also
burned. A lithium battery fire is very hot (several thousand degrees) and is an excellent initiator for
ancillary (resulting) fires. Fire occurs due to contact between Lithium and oxygen in the air. It does
not need any other source of ignition, or fuel to start, and burns almost explosively.

These batteries must be used in a manner that precludes ancillary fire. The following is
recommended:

1.Store, and charge, in a fireproof container; never in your model.

2.Charge in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging
process. Never leave the charging process unattended.

3.In the event of damage from crashes, etc, carefully remove to a safe place for at least a half
hour to observe. Physically damaged cells could erupt into flame, and, after sufficient time to
ensure safety, should be discarded in accordance with the instructions which came with the
batteries. Never attempt to charge a cell with physical damage, regardless of how slight.

4.Always use chargers designed for the specific purpose, preferably having a fixed setting for
your particular pack. Many fires occur in using selectable/adjustable chargers improperly set.
Never attempt to charge Lithium cells with a charger which is not, specifically, designed for
charging Lithium cells. Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries.

5.Use charging systems that monitor and control the charge state of each cell in the pack.
Unbalanced cells can lead to disaster if it permits overcharge of a single cell in the pack. If the
batteries show any sign of swelling, discontinue charging, and remove them to a safe
place outside as they could erupt into flames.

6.Most important: NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE
UNATTENDED OVERNIGHT. Serious fires have resulted from this practice.

7.Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from individual cells.

These batteries CANNOT be handled and charged casually such as has been the practice for years
with other types of batteries. The consequence of this practice can be very serious resulting in major
property damage and/ or personal harm

Safety Committee
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 E Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302