Stay in charge: Caring for your Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries can be found in many devices used for work and around the home including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, fitness watches and power tools.

They allow for fast, portable recharging and are a staple of modern life. However there are some health and safety risks that we need to be mindful of when using lithium ion batteries.

The biggest risks with this type of battery is fire. In the UK, fire services are now tackling at least three lithium battery fires a day. This type of fire behaves differently from a combustion fire and can spread very quickly, burn at an extremely high temperature and can release toxic gases.

Fire caused by Li-ion batteries can also be very difficult to extinguish. When used and stored normally, Lithium-ion batteries are safe and stable. However, issues can arise when they are incorrectly stored, damaged, misused or not suitably charged.  

How to make sure you are using Li-ion batteries safely:

Only use the charger you got with the device.

Do not use cheap chargers that do not carry a CE mark or have been modified. You can find the mark on your chargers.

Never leave batteries charging overnight or unattended and always unplug them once charging is complete.

Avoid charging devices in bedrooms, hallways or near soft furnishings; instead, opt for kitchens or garages equipped with working smoke detectors

Check for signs of damage before use. If the battery appears swollen or emits a strong odour, then the device should be removed from the building immediately. Do not try to use or fix the battery. Report it to your support provider.

Ensure Li-ion batteries are safely disposed of at appropriate specialist waste centres

Remember, if you think there is something wrong with your devices when they are charging. Please speak to your support provider.

Preventing Legionella in your home

If you are lucky enough to go on holiday for a week or two this summer there is something you should do when you get home (before all the laundry!) that will reduce your risk of contracting Legionnaires Disease. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling droplets of water which contain the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can multiply in stagnant water for instance when you are on holiday and your taps and shower aren’t being used daily. Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection, but some people are at higher risk including:

· people over 45

· smokers and heavy drinkers

· people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease

· anyone with an impaired immune system

On your return, flush the whole system for two minutes or more.

First, flush your toilet, then run the kitchen taps, and then any hand basin taps for at least two minutes and let both hot and cold water pass through. Run both hot and cold supplies for your shower, for at least two minutes before using them to clear any sitting water.

Run the showerhead into a bucket of water, or into a bath full of water, to avoid spray escaping into the room.

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort when breathing, a high temperature, flu-like symptoms. If you think you may have contracted Legionnaires Disease please see medical attention.

First Choice could help Tenants get on a social water tariff with Welsh Water

Are you an FCHA tenant and a Welsh Water Customer? First Choice could help you get on a social water tariff to save money.

WaterSure Tariff

From the 1st April 2025 you won’t spend more than £532.27 a year on the WaterSure tariff.

You can apply for WaterSure if:

a: Someone in your house has a health reason for using more water. Fore example, you need to wash more clothes or have more baths and showers.

OR

b: There are 3 or more children in your house who are under 19 years old who you can claim child benefit for.

You also need to receive at least one benefit to be on the WaterSure tariff.

To be on the WaterSure tariff, you need to have a water meter at home. If you don’t have a water meter then Welsh Water can fit one for you.

HelpU Tariff

From the 1st April 2025 you won’t spend more than £319.03 a year on the HelpU tariff. That’s around £26.50 a month.

Please not that you have to reapply for the HelpU tariff every 12 months. You do not have to do this with the WaterSure tariff.

You can apply for HelpU if:

a: You are a low income household

OR

b: Someone at home receives a means-tested benefit like Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

Choose the Tariff that suits you

WaterSure Tariff

If you think you should be on this tariff for your water please follow the link below. First Choice can do the full application for you.

WaterSure Tariff Application

HelpU Tariff

If you think you should be on this tariff for your water please contact Welsh Water directly by following the link below.

HelpU Tariff Application

Help is coming soon!

If you are with Severn Trent or Hafren Dyfrdwy for your water then help is coming your way soon! Please keep an eye out for information on your social tariffs