Due to fire hazards related to hoverboards, Adams State University has banned all such devices from campus, according to Vice President of Student Services Ken Marquez. There have been a number of documented incidents of explosion and fire related to hoverboard use, possibly caused by the lithium batteries and/or chargers used in the some models.
Effective immediately, Hoverboards, Skagway’s, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, and similar devices, also called smart boards or balance boards, are not allowed in any building on the Adams State campus, including residence halls and athletic venues.
“In light of the danger associated with hoverboards, and the risk posed to students, employees, and visitors, Adams State University’s insurance company has advised us to ban these devices from campus for the time being,” Marquez said. “The Consumer Product Safety Commission is evaluating these devices and it hopes to issue a ruling in the near future.”
Several major retailers have stopped selling the devices due to customer safety concerns, and major airlines have also refused to allow the devices on their planes. Both The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have issued statements regarding the devices.
CPSC urges consumers to report incidents to CPSC.
NFPA offers the following tips to ensure hoverboard safety:
Signs of a Problem:
- Leaking fluids
- Excessive heat
- Odor
- Sparking
- Smoke
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device right away. Call 9-1-1. If safe to do so, move the hover board outside away from anything that can burn.
If you purchase a hover board:
- Choose a device with the seal of an independent testing laboratory.
- Read and follow all manufacturer directions. If you do not understand the directions, ask for help.
- An adult should be responsible for charging the hover board.
- Do not leave a charging hover board unattended.
- Never leave the hover board plugged in overnight.
- Only use the charging cord that came with the hover board.
- Stop using your hover board if it overheats.
- Extreme hot or cold temperature can hurt the battery.
- Be on the lookout for product updates from manufacturers and safety groups.
- When riding in a car, keep the hover board where you can see it in case it shows signs of a problem.
