Emir BardakçıXiaomi smartphones, including flagship devices and the newer POCO series, are powered by high-density lithium-ion batteries. Although such batteries are safe when functioning properly, physical stress or internal shorts may cause a thermal runway reaction. In case of a malfunction, prompt measures are necessary for your protection and safety.
Identifying and Addressing Immediate Battery Threats
A failing battery will usually give indications such as overheating, swelling, and a peculiar smell. As soon as one detects hissing sounds and smoke rising from the device, that device is experiencing thermal runaway. In this case, the device needs to be moved to a non-burning surface like a concrete floor or a metallic sink, and the concerned area needs to be vacated to avoid breathing in poisonous gas. Under no circumstances should one use one’s hands to touch the swelling battery.
Safety Checklist for Immediate Action
- Evacuate: Get away from the device to avoid breathing in toxic gas.
- Isolate: If it is safe to do so, relocate the phone to a concrete or tile floor using a nonflammable tool.
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the charging cord from the wall, rather than the item.
- Call For Help: Alert authorities (911, 112, or 999) in case of visible flames.
Emergency Suppression and Medical Protocols
To extinguish a lithium ion battery fire, there are strategies that need to be employed. Even though Class D extinguishers are used in extinguishing combustible metals, large amounts of water are usually needed in cooling the electrolytic cells. On contact with the human skin, rinsing with plenty of water is advised if hydrofluoric acid, which is highly corrosive, makes contact with the skin. This is due to the electrolyte fluids in the battery.
Protecting Evidence for Warranty and Legal Purposes
To recover the warranty claim or legal relief, it is essential to retain the device. The debris is not to be disposed of in regular trash. It is to be stored in a metal bucket containing dried sand. It is essential to document the surroundings with high-resolution images of your smartphone, original Xiaomi charger, and cable used during the incident. This data is critical in the process of reaching Xiaomi Global Support. Filing the incident with local safety authorities is another way in which the safety monitoring process might be helped in terms of possible product recalls.
