SMOKERS in Gedling borough are being warned not to store loose batteries from e-cigarettes in clothing after a trading standards team received reports of them overheating and leaving people with burns.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is now advising people not to keep batteries loose in a pocket with change and coins after two people were left with burns after carrying them while unattached from the main e-cigarette device.
Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Committee Chairman for Community Safety, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “There is no suggestion there was anything wrong with the e-cigarettes themselves, but on each occasion, loose batteries in the pocket used to power these items overheated, causing burns.
“We need to take these incidents as warnings to people to take care where they store batteries on their person for e-cigarettes and other products.”
Aside from the potential of faulty batteries, other potential hazards which might lead to overheating could include people using different charging devices such as an i-pad charger.
In terms of buying batteries, people should:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards the charging and handling of the batteries
- Look out for the CE mark that indicates the batteries comply with European Safety standards
- Do not store batteries loose in a pocket or purse, especially not one containing metal objects as this could create a short circuit and lead to overheating, fire or explosion.
If you have been targeted by a scam, you can report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
