gas to battery conversion

Revised August 2024

Safe Use of Power Tools and Lawn Equipment: Gas to Battery Conversion

With the ever-growing pursuit of sustainability, the power tool industry is increasingly transitioning from gas-powered to battery-powered tools. This shift has numerous benefits, but it also requires a new understanding of handling and maintenance. It is crucial for operators to recognize these battery-powered tools many times require different safety protocols compared to their gas-powered counterparts. The following tips are to help educate on some of the benefits and the necessary precautions when adopting a battery-powered power tool fleet.

Operator Benefits:

• Reduced Exhaust Emissions: Battery-powered tools produce zero combustive emissions, which may allow use in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Lower Noise Levels: Battery-powered tools are generally quieter than their gas-powered counterparts, which may allow their use in areas with noise ordinances or other noise restrictions.
• On-going Monitoring: Most battery-powered tools have advanced battery management systems that can provide accurate tool and battery monitoring and alerts, helping ensure tools are ready for use.

Safety Precautions for Battery-Powered Tools:

• Proper Charging Practices:
  • Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and genuine manufacturer batteries to avoid overcharging and overheating. Using knock-off or non-manufacturer batteries and chargers can lead to battery fires or explosions.
  • Charge batteries in well-ventilated areas that are protected from the elements and away from flammable materials to ensure safety in the event of a malfunction.
  • Review all product labels, warnings, and manuals for proper usage.
  • Look for products that have been tested or certified to the relevant industry safety standards, such as UL, CSA, IEC, ANSI, etc.
• Battery & Tool Handling and Storage:
  • Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures, as both heat and cold can impact performance and safety.
  • Store batteries in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to prevent degradation and potential hazards. This generally means do not store batteries or battery-powered tools on open trailers or other areas where they can be exposed to the elements.
  • Avoid storing battery pack in a container with other metal objects such as nails, coins, etc.
  • Do not touch the terminals with any conductive material.
• Inspection and Maintenance:
  • Clean off dirt, grass, and other debris after each use. Avoid using a hose or pressure washer; instead, use a soft, dry cloth or brush to clean the equipment.
  • When switching to cordless tools, remember that unlike metal, gas-powered equipment, these tools often contain plastic components that can degrade when cleaned with harsh chemicals. Use only recommended cleaning agents to avoid damage.
  • Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage, such as cracks, swelling, or leaks. Damaged batteries should be disposed of properly and not used.
  • Clean battery contacts and terminals to ensure proper connection and prevent short circuits.
  • Do not disassemble or tamper with the battery packs.
  • Lubricate mechanical parts as recommended. While the lack of combustion engine reduces most maintenance, parts like chains on chainsaws still need regular lubrication.
  • Always remove the battery pack from the equipment before performing maintenance to prevent an inadvertent powerup that could cause injury.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Equip job sites with proper firefighting materials suitable for electrical & battery fires and train workers on their use.
  • Develop and communicate emergency procedures for battery-related incidents, ensuring all workers know how to respond effectively.
• Proper Disposal/Recycling
  • Recycle your portable rechargeable batteries to conserve natural resources, prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste stream and ultimately, to preserve our environment. Improper disposal can cause potential fire hazards at waste handling facilities and landfills and contaminate water supply.
  • Make sure you follow state, local, and federal regulations, as these batteries cannot be disposed of with regular/curbside recycling or trash.
  • Many major retailers in U.S. and Canada have battery recycling collection boxes. For the sites nearest you, visit www.call2recycle.org or call the consumer helpline at 1-877-723-1297.

The transition from gas-powered to battery-powered power tools is a pivotal step towards the future of the power tool industry. While there are numerous benefits to battery-powered tools in certain applications, including lower exhaust emissions and decreased noise levels which makes battery-powered tools a strong choice, it is essential to adopt new safety practices for this growing technology. Educating consumers on these practices ensures the safe and efficient use of battery-powered tools, maximizing their potential while safeguarding the DIYers and the workforce. For a full list of safety instructions, please consult the instruction manual for the manufacturer's tool or battery that you are using/operating.