Bruce Robins, Director of CheckFire, discusses the need for education and collaboration if the industry is to raise greater awareness of fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries
The use of lithium-ion battery-powered devices is widespread, from smartwatches and phones, to laptops, tablets, vapes and e-bikes and is now embedded in every aspect of modern life.
However, many remain unaware of the risks associated with improper handling, storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries.
It is rare for these batteries to pose a risk if manufactured and used safely and correctly.
However, if damaged (by overcharging, malfunction or overheating for example), lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk and can ignite without warning.
As these devices become essential in every sector (from education and hospitality to logistics, construction and healthcare), the fire safety industry must raise awareness, promote regular fire risk assessments and facilitate effective prevention strategies.
Widespread use and the ensuing risk
Lithium-ion batteries are valued for their lightweight design, high-energy density and rechargeability.
Schools, college and universities depend heavily on this portable technology for daily use, while the hospitality sector relies on the batteries for catering equipment, rechargeable cleaning appliances and emergency back-up power supplies.
The healthcare sector is also reliant, given the batteries’ necessary (and sometimes lifesaving) application across equipment including portable diagnostic devices, precision instruments and emergency power in the case of grid instability.
Meanwhile, retail spaces, warehouses and office blocks increasingly rely on lithium-ion battery-operated tools and apparatus – and many on a much larger scale, with e-bikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles (EVs) on site.
The integration of rechargeable devices, tools and systems into our everyday work means there is not one sector exempt from this unique fire risk.
According to insurance company QBE and figures released earlier this year, UK fire and rescue services now attend at least three lithium-ion battery fires every day, highlighting an urgent need for greater awareness and proactive risk management.
Those responsible for fire safety must be understanding of the risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
But, more crucially, they must be equipped with the right knowledge and specialised tools to mitigate these risks.
How fire takes hold: understanding thermal runaway
Lithium-ion battery fires are unlike other more commonly experienced fires typical of most settings (that may involve wood, paper or textiles).
Instead, they are chemically driven.
While this type of battery is generally safe when correctly manufactured, used and charged in normal conditions, the primary hazard lies in a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.
It occurs when a battery cell enters an uncontrollable and self-heating state caused by manufacturing defects, overcharging, overheating or improper storage.
This dangerous condition takes place when a battery temperature reaches 60°C and above and a chain reaction of events leads to an explosive fire that’s hard to extinguish, coupled with the release of toxic gas and smoke.
Additionally, the intense, self-perpetuating nature of this type of fire can trigger thermal runaway in nearby undamaged battery cells and increase the risk of secondary ignitions.
The explosive nature of molten metal and the likelihood of collateral fires it causes is vast, meaning it is highly likely the fire will spread to surrounding areas – making fighting lithium-ion battery fires a challenge.
It is imperative those responsible for fire safety understand that lithium-ion battery fires require a distinctly different response to that of a traditional class of fire.
While fire extinguisher installation should align with an identified fire hazard in any setting, `traditional’ fire extinguishers (plain water, foam, powder, CO2 and wet chemical) are not suitable for tackling lithium-ion battery fires.
Given the potential for rapid escalation and thermal runaway, these fires demand specialised fire extinguishers designed to not only extinguish flames, but halt thermal runaway, dissipate intense heat and mitigate the risk of reignition or peripheral fires.
A growing risk across sectors
Addressing these unique risks requires a proactive and targeted approach – one that’s reliably informed and clearly communicated to all users of a building.
This applies whatever the setting, whether office space, a warehouse, an educational setting, a residential care home or elsewhere.
Precautionary steps can be taken to ensure there is little chance as possible of thermal runaway occurring.
Firstly, businesses and authorities should only choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers to be confident batteries meet stringent safety standards and have undergone rigorous testing.
This will reduce any chance of malfunction.
When devices are overcharged, heat builds up, which can then lead to thermal runaway.
Manufacturers’ guidance and charging recommendations must be followed.
Avoid stacking devices when charging, unplug once fully charged and do not charge overnight or for extended periods.
Additionally, devices should not be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures – keep them out of direct sunlight and when not in use, store in a cool, dry place.
For some settings, like warehouses and factories, it is important that designated charging areas are distanced from flammable materials.
Routine visual inspections of lithium-ion battery-powered devices will enable identification of wear and tear, swollen batteries, cracks and any other warning signs.
When the time comes to dispose of the batteries, they must not be thrown in the bin or incinerated.
Instead, designated recycling centres ensure safe disposal.
Finally, proactive preparedness is critical.
As well as raising greater awareness of this type of fire, it would be wise to install a specialised lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher, which is also equipped to tackle Class A fires to combat peripheral fires, in any setting with an FRA-recognised lithium-ion battery risk.
Adhering to regulations
Compliance with fire safety regulations is crucial for all facilities and premises across every sector.
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) covers ‘general fire precautions’ and fire safety duties required to protect ‘relevant persons’ in the event of a fire.
The RRFSO places the legal duty for overseeing fire safety on the “responsible person” – anyone with significant control over the premises, for example a business owner, employer, a landlord or a facilities manager.
In schools, the responsible person is typically the headteacher, while in healthcare and medical facilities, it is likely the Chief Executive of the healthcare organisation.
The responsible person must make sure the setting is as free from fire risks as reasonably possible, including emerging threats like those from lithium-ion batteries.
The RRFSO was recently updated to stipulate considerations for lithium-ion batteries in all fire risk assessments.
A critical requirement of this legislation, the fire risk assessment (which is overseen by the responsible person but completed by a trustworthy fire safety expert) must be subject to regular review.
This means every workplace, warehouse, healthcare setting and educational institution (to give only a few examples) must take into account any changes in activities or to the way the building is used or if usage of technology or rechargeable devices is altered and formally review and adapt the existing fire risk assessment.
Collaboration and education of vital importance
The effective management of this growing threat is not the responsibility of one group alone.
Manufacturers must be well-informed so they can prioritise safer designs, reduce the risk of malfunction and provide clearer guidance on battery usage and disposal.
Every business and workplace, whatever the sector and setting, must be equipped with the detailed knowledge and correct fire safety equipment to produce targeted fire safety plans and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Meanwhile, fire and rescue services and other fire safety experts, must continue to share insights, impart best practice precautions and prevention and develop and maintain fire safety protocols.
Preparedness, education and collaboration is key.
This proactive approach, incorporating all those with responsibility for fire safety, will ensure thorough and proper mitigation of the growing lithium-ion battery threat.