Risk assessment and management strategies for secondary battery-based electrical and electronic products: insights into safety and recycling challenges

Abstract

This study evaluates the risks of secondary battery-based electrical and electronic products, focusing on 12 devices, including electric kickboards, e-cigarettes, and wearable devices. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods aligned with ISO 10377, the research analyzes accident frequency and severity to identify key risk factors such as overcharging, physical impacts, and inadequate thermal management. The findings reveal that electric kickboards and e-cigarettes pose the highest risks due to frequent incidents of fire and explosions, necessitating urgent design improvements like protective circuits and heat management systems. In contrast, devices like vibration cleansers and electric toothbrushes exhibit minimal risk. In addition, the study highlights the increasing e-waste challenges posed by these products, which are often excluded from current recycling systems, leading to environmental hazards such as fire and heavy metal leakage. Recommendations include integrating these products into extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks, establishing efficient collection and recycling systems, and improving regulatory measures to manage risks effectively. By addressing both product safety and environmental sustainability, this research offers practical insights for manufacturers, policymakers, and researchers to enhance safety standards, implement sustainable waste management, and strengthen regulatory frameworks for secondary battery-based technologies.