Think some people miss the point in all this ALL BATTERIES ARE DANGERIOUS Period.I started racing about 18 years ago or so the first pack I had was a 1200 sc and guess what I seen those blow up too.
Simply put even if you goto lipo it can be harmfull if not taken care of properly.I have lipo and I like it I have all types NIMH I like them too.
NONE of them are any safer then another but if you handle them correctly and do what you should with them you'll be fine although R/C is alot of fun you still have to be carefull or in nash's case pray alot lol.