Computer giant HP is recalling a range of its computers due to the risk their batteries could burst into flames from overheating.  

This is the second time in three years the firm has had to issue the safety measure and it is believed up to 50,000 devices could be involved. 

The problem affects a range of devices sold worldwide from December 2015 to December 2017.

HP's recall comes after eight reports of batteries “overheating, melting or charring,” according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

This included one incident leading to a first-degree burn. 

HP has not yet provided technical details about why the batteries are overheating.  

The firm said it is notifying customers and will provide a trained technician to replace the affected batteries for free as they are integrated into devices and cannot be replaced by users. 

In a written statement, a spokesman for the company said: “We recently learned that batteries provided by one of our suppliers for certain notebook computers and mobile workstations present a potential safety concern. 

“We are taking immediate action to address this issue including a voluntary recall and replacement of the batteries.  

“Batteries affected by this recall have the potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to customers. HP’s primary concern is for the safety of our customers.  

“This action pertains to 0.1% of the HP systems sold globally over the past two years.” 

The list of machines with the problematic lithium-ion batteries include Probook, Envy, Pavilion, Zbook, Studio G3, and HP 11 models. 

People should run HP's Validation Utility software to determine if their battery has been recalled. If the battery needs to be replaced, they should then install an update that will put the device in Battery Safe Mode which will discharge the battery and prevent it from being charged until it's replaced. This update will allow consumers to continue using the computers safely with AC power while they wait for a new battery.

Batteries have overheated and caught fire on dozens of aircraft in recent years leading to bans on them being carried in luggage in plane holds.

This means they need to be carried in the passenger cabin so crew can deal with them if they catch fire.

AvSax fire containment bags are now on board several major airlines worldwide and are used to deal with burning electronic devices ranging from laptops and mobile phones to e-cigarettes. 

They were deployed on aircraft 20 times in 2017. 

If an electronic device starts to seriously overheat or emit smoke the cabin crew will pour at least two litres of water into an AvSax and then drop the burning device into the bag, adding additional water as required. The water activates the polymer gel inside the bag causing it to expand around the device. Should the device keep on venting then the AvSax is tough enough to absorb the force. 

The AvSax cools the batteries in the device, reducing the likelihood of the battery catching fire but if it does go into what is known as thermal runaway when all the battery cells catch fire at incredibly hot temperatures it is all contained within the bag.

Amazingly, the water is absorbed into the internal lining of the bag so the device is dry when it is removed.