November 2026 Meeting – Charged Up: Real-World Lithium-Ion Safety for EHS Pros

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries now power everything from forklifts and e-bikes to hand tools and backup storage, and most workplaces have more of them than their EHS programs account for. This session skips the theory and focuses on practical tools EHS professionals can take back and use right away. It covers spotting damaged or swollen batteries, setting up safer charging and storage areas, building inspection checklists, and handling waste and shipping. It also covers the compliance side that often gets missed, including how to evaluate whether battery inventories trigger EPCRA Tier II reporting and how to fold lithium-ion hazards into emergency plans and coordination with local responders. Attendees will leave with a clear picture of where lithium-ion risk shows up in their facilities and what they can do about it.

Learning objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify common workplace sources of lithium-ion batteries and the conditions that lead to thermal runaway
• Recognize warning signs of damaged, defective, or recalled batteries
• Apply practical controls for charging, storage, and handling areas
• Use inspection and audit tools to assess lithium-ion risk at a facility
• Evaluate whether lithium-ion battery inventories, including battery energy storage systems, trigger EPCRA Tier II reporting
• Incorporate lithium-ion hazards into emergency action and response plans, including pre-incident coordination with fire departments and LEPCs
• Outline emergency response steps for battery fires and off-gassing events
• Describe basic waste management and DOT shipping requirements for damaged and end-of-life batteries

Bio

Abby Holovach is the owner and principal consultant/trainer of Vibe Environmental, providing EHS regulatory compliance, program development, and training across federal and state requirements. Her career spans regulatory, military, private-sector, and consulting roles in environmental compliance, hazardous materials and waste management, spill response, and EHS program development. She especially loves training — taking complex compliance topics and making them engaging, relatable, and memorable.

An award-winning environmental and safety professional, Abby also serves as ASSP Region III Regional Vice President, supporting members across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and founded DFW Environmental Pros, a free networking group for environmental and safety professionals across North Texas.

Outside of work, you’ll find her with a latte in hand, sneaking in a long nap, or hanging out with her family and critters.