Understanding the Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Systems
Lithium-ion batteries are key to decarbonising our economy and are a very important piece of technology that we will continue to see proliferating into our everyday lives. Common technologies using lithium-ion batteries include smartphones, power tools, e-bikes and other e-mobility vehicles, and many more.
Education around lithium-ion battery safety is crucial to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of fires, injuries, and exposure to hazardous vapours due to lithium-ion battery mishandling. This is why we are delighted to be launching this free comprehensive course on Understanding the Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Safety.
The course has been developed by the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute and the UNSW Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), with funding from Stanley Black and Decker as part of the Global Impact Challenge grant program.
All course content is also freely available to organisations who wish to incorporate this valuable content within their own learning management systems. Simply email us using the button below.
Course overview
The full course is made up of 4 modules and takes roughly 4 hours to complete. Note that the course does not need to be taken in one session and can be entirely self-paced.
The modules are broken up into short lessons, which you can guide yourself through at your own pace. Many of these lessons contain a quiz question that you must answer correctly before moving to the next lesson.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded participants who successfully complete the course.
After completing the course, you will understand:
- The definition of a lithium-ion battery and their applications.
- Pros and cons of lithium-ion batteries in comparison to other battery technologies.
- How to identify potentially hazardous events or scenarios that can occur with lithium-ion batteries.
- The role and various functions of a battery management system (BMS), and how it helps ensure lithium-ion battery safety.
- How to recognise potentially dangerous activities when using or charging e-mobility devices or power tools that contain a lithium-ion battery.
- Safe practices when using and charging lithium-ion batteries and associated devices.
- How to assess the product quality of devices containing a lithium-ion battery.
- And more…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The course is free to take, and you can repeat the course as often as you desire to maintain your skills in lithium-ion battery safety.
Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for everyone from the general public to tradespeople or e-mobility enthusiasts.
It is especially useful for anyone who has contact with machinery or tools powered by lithium-ion batteries, and anyone who owns and/or operates e-mobility vehicles such as e-Bikes or e-Scooters.
Some examples of specific professions this course is relevant for include:
- Electricians
- Tradespeople working with power tools powered by lithium-ion batteries
- Battery manufacturing technicians
- Electric vehicle (EV) technicians and mechanics
- Electronics technicians and engineers
- Warehouse and logistics personnel handling battery-powered devices
- First responders (firefighters, paramedics) who may encounter battery-related incidents
- Recycling and waste management professionals dealing with battery disposal
- Consumer electronics repair technicians
What will I learn?
In just four modules, you'll gain a robust understanding of lithium-ion batteries – from their unique structure and uses, to their edge over traditional batteries. You will learn how to spot (and handle) risks like thermal runaway and explore the crucial role of Battery Management Systems in maintaining safety for products using lithium-ion batteries.
How long will it take?
The course contains 4 hours of video content, broken up into bite-sized video modules. Each module includes ‘Key Takeaways’ and a quiz question you must answer correctly before moving to the next module.
As you arrive in each module, you will be able to see the length of the video for that topic. Videos range from roughly 2 to 5 minutes.
Do I have to complete the course in one sitting?
No – the course is flexible and entirely self-paced. There is no time limit on when you need to complete all modules by.
The design of the course allows you to see what is covered in each module before you begin. Your progress will be recorded based on completing each module’s quiz correctly.
Can I undertake specific parts of the course only?
Yes – the course is self-paced and you can complete specific topics. However, note that you will need to complete the entire course in order to receive the Certificate of Completion.
We strongly recommend you complete the course in sequence and in its entirety to fully benefit from this important knowledge.
I work for a large company – can we use this content in our own Learning Management System?
Yes, please get in touch with us so we can assist you with this.