How to handle when the phone suddenly caught fire

Explosion of electronic devices is becoming quite common, on both phones, headsets, and laptops ... mainly due to lithium-ion batteries. If you have a problem, what do you do to ensure safety?

Lithium-ion batteries are one of the main causes for burning the phone. Photo: AFP

Signal warning device is likely to ignite

When using your phone if there are some signs of extreme heat or bulging it means it is going to burn. When on fire, chemicals in the cell phone battery can cause skin burns if you touch them directly, or endanger the property if you do not extinguish the fire properly.

Reason for the phone on fire

"When the batteries show signs of bulging, different chemicals are placed inside the batteries that are moving" wildly ", says Bryan McCloskey, a professor of chemical and biological engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. .Although batteries contain chemicals that break the poles for safety, once the batteries run out, the chemicals will be damaged, resulting in short circuits.

When other substances inside the battery come into contact, they can lead to catastrophic explosions, resulting in large / small consequences depending on the size of the battery and the chemicals inside it.

The chemical components inside the lithium-ion battery when exposed can fire. Screenshots.

Handle when equipment is on fire

If the device shows signs of burning, use tools such as clamps or gloves and then touch the device to process, if power off, should be done quickly. Also, if the appliance is connected to a power source, pull it out immediately.

Next, move slowly and carefully. Put your phone in an isolated area away from flammable areas. You can also put it in an empty metal toolbox.

Handle when phone is on fire

Call emergency services (if you have one) as soon as possible, then try to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. If there is no fire extinguisher, you can also use a small spray nozzle on the appliance for the purpose of cooling the component or reducing the flame, but be sure the device has pulled out of the outlet before doing so. .

When the phone caught fire, be very careful in handling. Photo: AFP

The slight splashing of water into the device is because the lithium-ion battery on the phone may contain some chemicals when combined with water, which will make the fire outburst stronger without control, especially in tight spaces. .

Warnings when handling equipment on fire

Flaming phones have an unintended consequence, so you need to be very careful in these situations to protect your personal and other health.

- Do not touch the bulge on the device with bare hands

- Do not throw the appliance in the trash. You need to be responsible for the community, because it was a dangerous waste at that time.

- Do not breathe when the smoke comes out, cover your mouth and nose.