Although 9-volt batteries are often considered safe they can cause fires, especially at home.
Cause of hazard: The 2 terminals are close together and any metal connecting them can cause a spark.
Risk for fire:
(1) multiple 9-volt batteries scattered in a drawer
(2) 2 batteries accidentally mating
(3) pieces of metal in the drawer that can connect the two terminals
(4) batteries intermingled with flammable material (which includes steel wool)
(5) fresh batteries that are full charged.
(6) failure to shield the terminals (plastic inserts or electrical tape running over the terminals)
The risk increases with the number of risk factors present.
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Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
