Insafe launches lithium-ion battery safe range for storage and charging

by Featured NewsProductsSafety

Insafe launch covers Lite and Pro models

Insafe has launched a Lithium Ion Battery Safe range for the storage and charging of lithium batteries.

The UK distributor for Chubbsafes said the range includes two models, the Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite and the Lithium Ion Battery Safe Pro, for use across commercial and industrial environments.

Simon Arthur, Managing Director at Insafe, said: “With lithium batteries now powering a wide range of tools, devices and workplace technologies, fire safety has become a critical consideration.

“These new Chubbsafes solutions have been developed to help reduce the risks associated with charging and storing lithium batteries, while maintaining practical functionality and ease of use.”

Features and certifications listed for each cabinet

The Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite is described as a purpose-built cabinet for storing and charging lithium batteries with fire-resistant construction and Euroclass A1 insulation.

Two integrated fire alarms are located inside and outside the cabinet.

Surge-protected power sockets are included for charging.

Perforated steel shelving is listed with a 50-kilogram load capacity per shelf.

Optional features include electronic locks, additional power strips and connection to a building’s ventilation system.

The Lithium-Ion Battery Safe Pro is described as offering advanced fire containment and suppression capabilities.

It is certified to EN 14470-1 and EN 1363-1.

It is described as offering up to 105 minutes of fire protection from outside to inside and 90 minutes from inside to outside.

The cabinet is built to EI 180mm Type A1 and NF EN 13501-2 standards.

It includes thermo-expanding door seals, surge-protected sockets and adjustable perforated shelves.

Optional systems include an automatic fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and integrated alarm notifications.

Sizes, finishes and ordering

The Lite model is available in 185-litre, 730-litre and 1000-litre sizes with a RAL 9010 white finish.

The Pro model is available in four sizes from 165 to 665 litres, with a RAL 9010 white finish.

Arthur added: “By introducing both Lite and Pro options, Insafe supports organisations in choosing the level of bespoke protection that best suits their operational needs.

“It reflects Chubbsafes’ commitment to evolving with workplace safety challenges, giving businesses confidence their lithium batteries can be stored and charged safely, whatever the scale of their operations.”

The Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite and Pro models are available to order through Insafe.

London Fire Brigade Commissioner sets 2026 priorities in New Year message

by Featured NewsSafetyWildland Fire

London Fire Brigade details 2026 plans for London buildings and evacuation strategies

London Fire Brigade Commissioner Jonathan Smith has issued a New Year message setting out operational priorities for 2026, published on 01/01/2026.

Smith’s statement reflects on events during 2025, outlines current risk areas and describes planned work through 2026.

He also marked 2026 as the 160th year since the Brigade was founded.

Fatalities recalled after Bicester fire

Smith referenced the deaths of London Fire Brigade Leading Firefighter Martyn Sadler, firefighter Jennie Logan and member of the public Dave Chester at a warehouse fire in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

He said the Brigade’s thoughts remained with their families and friends.

Jonathan Smith, London Fire Brigade Commissioner, said: “As we enter the new year, I’d like to thank our firefighters, control officers and staff for their service, working hard to keep London safe every day, particularly those who have worked throughout the Christmas period taking time away from their families.

“The UK Fire and Rescue Service had a challenging year in 2025, as we experienced the tragic loss of our London Fire Brigade colleague Leading Firefighter Martyn Sadler, alongside fellow firefighter Jennie Logan, and member of the public, Dave Chester, at a warehouse fire in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

“Our thoughts remain with their families and friends.”

Terror threat training and civil defence role

Smith said the Brigade completed the rollout of its Marauding Terrorist Attack response capability early in 2025.

He described the training as enabling the Brigade to deploy rescue capability alongside police and ambulance service partners in high threat incidents.

Smith said the message referenced an attack at a synagogue in Manchester and other international incidents as reminders to be prepared for similar threats in London.

Wildfires, specialist vehicles and land management

Smith said the Brigade experienced the highest number of wildfires since the extreme heatwaves of 2022 during summer 2025.

He said a trial of four Wildfire Vehicles showed the benefit specialist vehicles can make when responding across outer London.

Smith said the Brigade has now purchased those vehicles.

He said the Brigade will keep exploring new vehicles, equipment and tactics ahead of summer 2026.

He also said the Brigade would continue working with local authorities across the capital on firebreaks and land management practices intended to reduce wildfire impact.

Lithium battery risk and built environment concerns

Smith said lithium batteries remained one of the fastest growing fire risks in London.

He said the Brigade has worked with the Government and advised on regulation of unsafe, poor quality or non-compliant lithium battery products sold on online marketplaces.

Smith said work in 2026 would include the Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign and efforts to identify risks posed by new and emerging technologies.

He also said more than 1,500 buildings in London still had a changed evacuation strategy due to fire safety concerns.

Grenfell recommendations and service improvements

Smith said the Brigade would remain focused during 2026 on improving and delivering a service fit for purpose for a modern global city.

He said this would include making improvements identified in recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry targeted at both London Fire Brigade and fire and rescue services more widely.