British Airways fined after vehicle collision injures employee

by Industry SectorsProjectsTransport

British Airways Plc has been fined following a vehicle collision at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport.

Southwark Crown Court heard that on 16 March 2018, an employee was struck by a tug pulling a train of dollies (vehicles used to transport baggage around the airport). She was knocked under another passing tug with dollies loaded with luggage, sustaining serious crush injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the injured worker was using the centre of the roadway between the two lanes as a walking route and this unsafe practice had been commonplace in the baggage hall for at least ten years. The investigation also identified significant failings in the general management of health and safety and workplace transport risks, including issues relating to supervision and monitoring, risk assessment and training.

British Airways PLC of Waterside, Harmondsworth, Greater London pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £1.8 million and ordered to pay costs of £35,724.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Megan Carr said: “The situation in the baggage hall at Heathrow Terminal 5 was an incident waiting to happen.

“British Airways failed to appreciate the serious nature of the risks to which its employees were exposed and as a result failed to take appropriate action to ensure they were properly protected.”

Survitec receives £27.5 million Revolving Credit facility from Santander UK

by Industry SectorsProjectsRetail

Global survival and safety solutions leader, Survitec, announced today that it has completed a £27.5 million Super Senior Revolving Capital Facility (RCF) with Santander UK. This new facility is in addition to the recently finalised £270m refinancing announced by the company in April.

Both agreements support Survitec’s growth plans for its survival technology products and services.

The new RCF is complemented by a foreign exchange facility, which is also provided by Santander UK.  Santander UK is one of the UK’s leading retail and commercial banks and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander.

Ray Leclercq, Survitec’s Chief Financial Officer said: “This transaction is a demonstration of confidence by one of the UK’s leading banks in Survitec’s business, our growth plans and our ability to execute those plans.  This complements other key 2021 Survitec milestones, including completion of a £270m refinancing and the acquisition of Hansen Protection.”

In May 2021, Survitec announced the acquisition of Hansen Protection, a leading European provider of protective wear for the energy, defence and agriculture sectors.

“Adding Hansen Protection’s highly regarded products to Survitec’s portfolio is consistent with our goal to be a single global partner for maritime and defence customers across the globe,” continued Mr. Leclercq.  Commenting on the new RCF transaction, Chris Thomas, Director, Structured Finance, Santander UK said: “Survitec is a global leader in the survival and safety solutions markets. We are delighted to provide funding to support the next important phase of its growth strategy.”

MSA Safety expands gas detection business with acquisition

by Americas - Breaking NewsIndustry SectorsUtilities

Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bacharach, Inc. and its affiliated companies (Bacharach) from FFL Partners, a San Francisco, California based private equity firm, in a transaction valued at $337 million.

Headquartered near Pittsburgh in New Kensington, Pa., Bacharach is a leader in gas detection technologies used in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) markets with annual revenue of approximately $70 million.  The company employs 200 people across four locations in the U.S., Canada and Ireland.

Founded in 1909, Bacharach’s advanced instrumentation technologies help protect lives and the environment, while also increasing operational efficiency for its diversified customer base.  The company’s portfolio of gas detection and analysis products are used to detect, measure and analyze leaks of various gases that are commonly found in both commercial and industrial settings.  Bacharach has strong expertise in the refrigerant leak detection market with customers in the HVAC-R, food retail, automotive, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and military markets.

“The acquisition of Bacharach accelerates our long-term growth strategy to expand our addressable market in applications that align with MSA’s mission and core technologies,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA Chairman, President and CEO.  “With a leading detection portfolio and strong brand, Bacharach provides access to attractive end markets while aligning exceptionally well with MSA’s product and manufacturing expertise.”  Mr. Vartanian added that MSA’s gas detection manufacturing Center of Excellence and Bacharach’s headquarters are both located in the greater Pittsburgh area.

MSA Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ken Krause will serve as the Executive Sponsor of the acquisition.  In this capacity, Mr. Krause will have oversight of the Bacharach integration process and work to ensure acquisition synergies are achieved.   

“The acquisition of Bacharach is an exciting opportunity to add further resilience in our gas detection portfolio,” Mr. Krause said.  “Bacharach’s end markets align with regulatory tailwinds that support growth through various economic cycles.  The company’s complementary technology and manufacturing processes also provide an opportunity to enhance productivity across a number of areas,” he said.

Mr. Krause added that the acquisition reflects MSA’s balanced approach for capital deployment.  “Growth continues to be the top priority in our capital allocation strategy. The strength of our balance sheet has positioned us very well to pursue organic and inorganic growth opportunities across our portfolio while funding an increasing dividend,” he said. 

Matthew Toone, Bacharach CEO commented, “MSA’s global reach will play a significant role in driving future growth for Bacharach.  With complementary technology, similar missions and a like-minded stance on sustainability and the environment, we see this acquisition as a great match for both Bacharach and for MSA.”

The detection brands of MSA, which include General Monitors, Senscient, Sierra Monitor, and now Bacharach, represent more than 325 combined years of gas detection innovation, with one common mission: protecting the health and safety of people and facility infrastructures around the world.

MSA is planning for adjusted earnings accretion of $0.10 – $0.15 per share in the second half of 2021 and $0.25 – $0.35 per share for the full year of 2022. MSA expects to use a combination of its senior revolving credit facility and long-term fixed rate debt to fund the transaction at closing. The acquisition is expected to add approximately one turn of leverage to MSA’s balance sheet. 

In connection with the acquisition, MSA amended and extended its credit facilities to increase borrowing capacity and provide enhanced flexibility. With these amendments, MSA’s senior revolving credit facility now includes a sustainability-linked pricing structure that is tied to the company’s performance on certain ESG metrics.

The transaction is expected to close in early July, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

88% of sports fans want greater focus on stadium safety

by ActiveIndustry SectorsPublic Events

A survey by Honeywell has revealed that sporting fans want greater focus on stadium safety as spectators return to sporting events. The study of sports fan attitudes about returning to stadium-based sporting events in the United Kingdom show that concerns around COVID-19 remain, with 88% of respondents wanting an increased focus on stadium safety measures, such as air quality management and social distancing, when they return to stadia. Importantly, 79% of those surveyed said they wanted clubs and stadium operators to notify them in advance of attendance that these types of measures are in place.

Despite concerns, there is widespread excitement at the prospect of returning to live events, with 54% of surveyed fans hoping to secure tickets to at least three games even while stadium crowd limits are in place.

The study of 2,000 UK sports fans revealed that, among those surveyed:

  • 79% are worried about returning to stadiums due to the potential risk of contracting the virus
  • Surprisingly, amongst 16-24-year-old respondents that figure rises to 83%
  • Almost half (46%) are reluctant to take family members to watch live sport again, with 44% of those surveyed saying they will hold off doing so until they understand what safety measures have been implemented

Stadium safety a top priority

“Sports fans are passionate about watching live games, but our study shows that many fans remain worried about the potential risks COVID-19 poses at events and for them, safety is paramount,” said Patrick Hogan, chief commercial officer, Honeywell Building Technologies. “Fans have clearly signalled that they are looking for reassurances from clubs and stadium operators that they have the processes, protocols and technologies in place to help minimise risk so they can get back to enjoying live sport as safely as possible.”

stadium safety
Social distancing will be common place to increase stadium safety as fans return

Many of the safety measures that have become commonplace in most aspects of daily life continue to be expected by many sports fans while inside stadia. 66% of surveyed fans expect that restrictions on fan movement will be necessary to help protect spectators and staff. Approximately half (46%) of those surveyed want to see the monitoring of social distancing compliance, while 38% support the introduction of temperature monitoring for fans entering the ground and 27% want to see the use of air purification systems within the concourse to reduce the risk of contagion.

“Fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get back to stadia to watch live sport but our study shows that they are prepared for a game day experience that is not the same as it was before,” said Hogan. “With 90% of fans telling us that they believe their support from the stands can have an impact on the game, it’s important everyone involved does what they can to get fans back quickly, but also as safely as possible. We’re actively engaging with clubs and stadium operators around the country to help them get systems and policies in place to help support their efforts to get fans safely back to grounds.”

Honeywell’s Healthy Buildings solutions help building owners improve their building environments, operate more cleanly and safely, comply with social distancing policies and reassure occupants. By integrating air quality, safety and security technologies along with advanced analytics, Honeywell’s healthy buildings solutions are designed to help reduce potential risks of contamination and improve business continuity by monitoring both the building’s environment and its occupants’ behaviours.

Methodology

The Honeywell survey was conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 sports fans in the UK, between 3rd March 9th March, 2021, using an online survey. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of responses and the level of the percentages expressing the results.

C-TEC’s new CAST ZFP fire system selected to protect ‘The Bear’

by HospitalityIndustry SectorsProducts

C-TEC’s new CAST ZFP fire alarm system is protecting an exciting new hospitality venture in Cheshire

Situated in the beautiful village of Tattenhall, The Bear and Ragged Staff has been radically transformed from a derelict shell into a high-end pub, restaurant and hotel by a team of talented professionals including Brian Mellor, an award-winning chef, and Martin Hilton, an industry-renowned beer sommelier. Featuring a fabulous bar/restaurant, eight ensuite bedrooms and a first-floor function room, the magnificent venue is prominently positioned on the High Street and set not only to become a focal point in the village but also attract clientele from far and wide for celebratory and corporate events.

At the heart of the building’s life-safety systems is a C-TEC CAST ZFP fire panel connected to over 100 CAST detectors, sounders, VADs and ancillary devices spanning over four floors. The master 2-loop ZFP panel is located in a storeroom but relays key system information to a state-of-the-art Compact Controller prominently displayed in the elegant reception area. With its bright easy-to-use touchscreen-control interface, the controller is stylish, highly visible and can be easily accessed by the fire and rescue service and authorised personnel if required.

CAST ZFP chosen for its innovative software

Said John Westerman, Director of Wrexham-based Allied Fire Alarms Ltd, the company that specified, installed and commissioned the system: “We chose CAST ZFP as the cornerstone of The Bear’s L2 BS 5839-1 system as it is powerful, intuitive and has the capacity to connect to multiple intelligent devices. Our client also had some specific requirements for fire detection in certain areas which were facilitated using CAST’s innovative software and extensive programming capabilities.”

“We were delighted to be involved with this project. As an NICEIC-approved specialist fire company, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality life-safety systems to our client’s satisfaction and the CAST system we designed and installed has certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

CAST is C-TEC’s own UK designed and manufactured ‘distributed intelligence’ addressable fire detection and alarm system. Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, including EN54-13, CAST is also fully compatible with ENVISION, C-TEC’s powerful new remote access, data management and system testing software.

For more information, visit www.c-tec.com.

Euralarm supports call for higher construction product standards

by ConstructionIndustry SectorsPassive

Euralarm has announced its support for a resolution of the European Parliament asking quick solutions from the European Commission to improve the standardisation of construction products while pushing for a transition to a sustainable and more circular economy.

MEPs have recently called in the resolution, adopted with 686 votes in favour (4 against, 5 abstentions), on the European Commission to find a quick and viable way to improve and speed up the standardisation process for construction products. Of the 444 existing harmonised standards for construction products, only 12 new ones have been issued since the Construction Products Regulation was adopted in 2011, hindering the free movement of products in the EU.

With 686 votes in favour of the resolution the Parliament has taken a clear position on the upcoming revision of the regulation by the Commission. “The Construction Products Regulation must be made fit for the future with view to digitalisation and sustainability,” said rapporteur Christian Doleschal.

Prior to the decision-making process for the European Parliament, the chair of the Euralarm Fire Section presented a paper on the Impact of the Construction Products Regulation on Standardisation in the active Fire Safety industry. The presentation was held during an Informal meeting of the Working Party Technical Harmonisation (Construction Products) of the German EU Council Presidency – Construction Products Regulation. The paper can be downloaded here.

New report finds gaps in preparedness for public health emergencies

by Americas - Breaking NewsHealthcareIndustry Sectors

The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly demonstrated that underinvestment in preparedness to respond to public health emergencies can cost hundreds of thousands of lives and wreak havoc on the economy. A new report released today by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) measured states’ performance on 10 key emergency preparedness indicators and found room for improvement in every jurisdiction.

The report, Ready or Not 2021: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism measured states’ readiness for health emergencies of any kind (not just the COVID-19 crisis). It placed 20 states and the District of Columbia in a high level of preparedness category, 15 states in a middle preparation tier and 15 states in a low degree of preparation tier. 

State performance, by scoring tier, 2020

Performance TierStatesNumber of States
High TierCO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID,
KS, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC,
NE, NM, OK, RI, UT, VA,
VT, WA, WI		20 states and DC
Middle TierAL, CA, FL, IA, IL, KY, LA,
MI, MN, MT, ND, NJ, OR,
TN, TX		15 states
Low TierAK, AR, AZ, HI, IN, MO,
NH, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC,
SD, WV, WY		15 states

For nearly two decades, TFAH has examined the nation’s public health emergency preparedness in this annual report. During that time, all states have made improvements in their emergency preparedness, but all continue to have room for additional strengthening of their public health preparedness and emergency response.

“The importance of this report is that it gives states actionable data to adopt policies that save lives. The COVID-19 crisis shows that we have much more work to do to protect Americans from health threats, particularly in the ways in which structural racism create and exacerbate health risks within communities of color,” said John Auerbach, President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health. “States need to take aggressive steps to shore up their preparedness for all types of public health emergencies.”

While the report’s findings are not a measure of any state’s COVID-19 response, they demonstrate that while states’ readiness is important, national health emergencies on the scale of a pandemic require strong federal leadership and coordination, and long-term investment in public health infrastructure and workforce. States alone, even those that rank high in this report, are not sufficiently equipped to respond to a pandemic without federal help, say the report’s authors.

The report found:

A majority of states have made preparations to expand healthcare and public health capabilities in an emergency, often through collaboration. Thirty-four states participated in the Nurse Licensure Compact, up from 26 in 2017. The compact allows registered nurses and licensed practical or vocational nurses to practice in multiple jurisdictions with a single license.

In an emergency, this enables health officials to quickly increase their staffing levels. In addition, hospitals in most states have a high degree of participation in healthcare coalitions. On average, 89 percent of hospitals were in a coalition and 17 states and the District of Columbia had universal participation, meaning every hospital in the jurisdiction was part of a coalition. Such coalitions bring hospitals and other healthcare facilities together with emergency management and public health officials to plan for and respond to incidents. Every state and the District of Columbia had public health laboratories that had plans for a large influx of testing needs. This ability to surge laboratory testing capacity during the COVID-19 crisis was extremely critical.

Most states are accredited in the areas of public health, emergency management, or both. As of December 2020, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) or the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) accredited 42 states and the District of Columbia; 29 states and the District of Columbia were accredited by both groups, a net increase of one since November 2019. Both programs help ensure that necessary emergency preparation and response systems are in place and staffed by qualified personnel.

Seasonal flu vaccination rates, while still too low, have risen significantly. The seasonal flu vaccination rate among Americans ages 6 months or older rose from 42 percent during the 2017–2018 season to 52 percent during the 2019–2020 season but is still below the 70 percent target vaccination rate set by Healthy People 2030.  

In 2019, only 55 percent of employed state residents, on average, used paid time off, the same percentage as in 2018. Those without paid leave are more likely to work when they are sick and risk spreading infection. This became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as isolation and quarantine are important tools for controlling the outbreak.

Most residents who got their household water through a community water system had access to safe water. On average, just 5 percent of state residents used a community water system in 2019 that did not meet all applicable health-based standards.

The report includes recommendations for actions by federal and state policymakers to improve the nation’s public health emergency preparedness in seven priority areas:

  • Provide stable, sufficient funding for domestic and global public health security.
  • Strengthen policies and systems to prevent and respond to outbreaks and pandemics.
  • Build resilient communities and promote health equity generally and in preparedness.
  • Ensure effective public health leadership, coordination, and workforce.
  • Accelerate development and distribution, including last mile distribution, of medical countermeasures.
  • Strengthen the healthcare system’s ability to respond and recover during and from health emergencies.
  • Prepare for environmental threats and extreme weather.

The Ready or Not report series is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with additional support from The California Endowment, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.

The key to a smart city lies within intelligent transport systems

by Industry SectorsMiddle East - ProjectsTransport

Michael Deruytter, Director of Product, Solutions Business at ITS (UK) member FLIR Systems explains why intelligent transport systems are key for smart cities.

Smart cities are essentially an ecosystem of technologies driven by data and analytics to manage assets and resources efficiently. The idea of what a smart city is, and the technology that will be used to create it, is constantly changing. Smart city solutions are becoming more of a reality, with localities being empowered to rapidly shape and customise user-specific applications that enhance public safety.

Innovations across the transport and energy sectors are expected to fuel the largest spend in smart city development over thInnovations across the transport and energy sectors are expected to fuel the largest spend in smart city development over the coming decade, with global expenditure reaching nearly $124 billion in 2020 . The vision of a fully connected city through technological innovations have already surpassed what existing current infrastructure can provide. That said, some advancements in this sector are already playing a huge role underpinning safety of operations throughout Europe – UK, Germany, Belgium – to name a few.

Smart sensing solutions are becoming an essential part of the technology needed to improve the safety of public operations across a myriad of local infrastructure, from streets, roadways, and intersections to buildings and other public spaces. These systems are already making a difference and are allowing us to envisage the future of cities based on interconnectivity and, in turn, situational awareness and data driven operations. A key question we must now ask is: how can local authorities tap into the technology and infrastructure already available to make this vision a reality?

Thermal transport solutions

A critical aspect of intelligent transport systems is thermal imaging. The technology works through tracking heat movement in any situation or condition, and therefore can be used in a safety capacity through extending the visibility of traditional cameras by up to four-times. This has been rolled out in many cities across the globe. Intelligent transportation solutions such as smart thermal and visible imaging systems that monitor traffic flow and detect incidents can empower cities to better inform road users of hazards, delays and alternate routes to keep everyone moving.

Hamburg, which has previously been named one of the most congested cities in Germany, is building a name for itself as the most innovative smart city in the country. Smart solutions provide resolution to the issue Hamburg’s commuters face, with 113 hours a year being wasted to traffic jams – by providing a better picture of traffic dynamics. City authorities are installing thermal imaging technology to traffic and street lights which will allow authorities to “see” data-points. These cameras are interconnected via a cloud-based system which will allow for high-resolution and real-time information to be collected and analysed, resulting in fully comprehensive datasets from all 420 intersections across the city.

Traffic controllers can differentiate between pedestrians, vehicle types, and cyclists allowing them to accurately count and process how busy the roads are. This provides cloud-based control systems with invaluable data which enables them to adjust signals in real-time. Furthermore, information can be seamless transferred across the city, meaning that controllers can improve long-term planning and reduce blockages, so traffic flow is adapted to minimise daily congestion.

Enhancing visual awareness

Advancements in traffic systems are already playing a huge role in the safety of operations across cities globally. For example, authorities in the UK, including the City of Durham recently deployed FLIR thermal imaging sensors onto pre-existing road signs to build a unique collision avoidance system that reduced the number of incidents at the junction to zero. By putting electronic road signs that spur signalisation into action upon the detection of a passing object has helped prevent crashes and ultimately save lives. Over-time this can change driver behaviour through early-warning systems that prevent heavy breaking, allow drivers to adapt their speed accordingly and drive more economically.

Having this data to hand enables city authorities to analyse the information which can be used to optimise infrastructure performance and make roads safer. By getting ahead of rush hour on busy arterials to posting travel-times on variable messaging boards, technology is enabling urban planners and dwellers to make safer and smarter transport decisions.

Driven by data connectivity

With city operators and first responders sharing data and detecting incidents in real-time, more collaborative and efficient interactions are enabled, and safety can be maximised. Working with a single platform for data sharing, inter-device connectivity and end-user infrastructures all provide greater control for command centres to enhance public safety operations.

The flexibility and scalability of cloud platforms enable these solutions to be tailored to address specific needs – those that operate seamlessly within any city- or urban-level operation, management platform, and associated interface. Through one central node of communication, command centres can monitor their environment from a single access point. On top of this, AI driven-data processing allows for a faster, more unified response across the city, regardless of the scenario.

By connecting cities through intelligent transportation solutions – like FLIR smart thermal and visible imaging systems that monitor traffic flow and detect incidents – we can better inform travellers of hazards, delays and alternate routes to keep people moving. These systems are already making a difference and allow for the visualisation of a future connected city based on situational awareness and data-driven operations.

The ideas and understandings behind smart cities are constantly changing while their purpose remains, and should always remain, centred on public safety.

While the vision of a fully connected city has exceeded what the current infrastructure can provide, we’ve seen through city operations in Hamburg and Durham, that it’s possible to transform existing infrastructure into part of an interconnected ecosystem of technologies. Through this, citizens are kept better informed of hazards, delays, and alternative routes – keeping cities moving and communities safe.

OGUK Conference to focus on the future of oil and gas

by EventsIndustry SectorsPorts & Maritime

Tickets are now available for the latest OGUK conference, where the focus will be on the future of oil and gas. The leading representative body for the UK oil and gas industryhave confirmed that following on from the tumultuous events of 2020, this year‘s conference asks the question, ‘Where next for our industry?’

The event, titled ‘Looking back to move forward – where next for HSE?’ will be held on 24-25 March 2021. OGUK is once again moving beyond the confines of a traditional conference, providing a digital platform for ideas and discussion about the future of oil and gas.

Over the two-day event, OGUK will be joined by leading voices and world-class experts in the fields of health, safety, and environment to reflect on the impact of the past 12 months, as well as looking forward to 2021 and beyond, asking what industry must do to continue improving our HSE performance.

Keynote speakers include Deirdre Michie (OGUK), Sarah Newton (Chair, HSE), Fuzzy Bitar (BP), Steve Hunt (Stork), and Dr Martin Valenti (Scottish Enterprise). OGUK are also delighted to announce that they will be joined by Sir David Spiegelhalter OBE FRS, British statistician and Winton Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk in the Statistical Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.

OGUK Health, Safety & Environment Director, Trevor Stapleton commented: “After a year like no other for our industry, this year’s HSE Conference provides us with a unique opportunity to gather leading industry voices to take stock on the past 12 months and to discuss what HSE looks like for our sector as we navigate toward a post-pandemic world.

“We’re delighted to be joined by some of the industry’s pioneering and expert thinkers on the topic of HSE, and I look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector to this event.”

To book your place, or to view sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please visit https://ogukhseconference.co.uk/

Lithium-ion battery fires costing UK economy £158 million a year

by Industry SectorsProjectsWaste & Recycling

Research carried out by Eunomia Research and Consulting has revealed the huge financial implications of Lithium-ion battery fires to the UK economy.

Their research found that fires caused by Lithium-ion battery fires cost around £158 million annually to waste operators, fire services and the environment.

The batteries, which are often not disposed of properly, can be found in most household items, however, many householders are unaware of the risks.

The study also revealed that 201 waste fires occur every year in the UK. The fires are known to cause extensive damage, and they are a particular risk when exposed to high tempreature or punctured during the waste disposal process.

Lithium-ion battery fires
Mobile phones contain Lithium-ion batteries

Commenting on the research, lead author of the report Sophie Crossette said: “The findings of this research highlight the significant financial burden Li-ion battery waste fires place on the waste sector and public sector services. To date, much of the focus on preventing waste fires has been on improved controls and infrastructure at waste sites.

“As this report suggests, we now need to focus on upstream interventions to divert batteries and WEEE products from the mixed waste stream to tackle this growing issue. If we don’t start to take action now, the increased use of Li-ion batteries, will only increase the cost and impact of Li-ion battery waste fires in the years to come.”

Lithium-ion battery fires could increase

The study also claims that with more batteries coming on to the market each year, the problem is only going to get worse.

To tackle the risk of Lithium-ion battery fires, the report suggests that banning Li-ion batteries from the residual and mixed recycling waste streams, or introducing a deposit return scheme (DRS) for batteries could reduce the risk in the future.