E-book on the latest developments in reducing risk from fire involving lithium-ion batteries has been published by SHP in conjunction with Firechief® Global.
Although when properly used, most lithium-ion batteries are intrinsically safe, there has been a growing number of serious fires involving these batteries. The highest risk is while batteries are charging, with fires involving modified e-bikes and e-scooters having a particularly high impact. In addition, almost half of all waste fires in the UK are caused by lithium-ion batteries, costing an estimated £158 million a year.
Lack of risk assessment
In spite of the growing incidence of lithium-ion battery fires, there is a gap between this and the awareness of such risk on the part of health and safety and fire safety professionals. A survey of more than 500 organisations carried out by Firechief® Global, in association with IFSEC Insider, showed that 71% of respondents had not updated their fire risk assessments to cover the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, with just 15% having done so, and a further 14% unsure.
The e-book, Lithium-Ion batteries. A guide to the fire risk that isn’t going away but can be managed, explains how lithium-ion battery fires develop, introducing the concept of thermal runaway which is caused by factors such as overcharging or overheating, penetration, crushing and short circuit. It then sets out an 8-step battery safety plan based on two core principles:
- What action to take in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire;
- How to contain the fire, and stop it from propagating either within the battery pack, within the module, or within the whole unit, and stopping the spread to other flammable materials in the vicinity.
The 8-step plan is divided into four proactive measures that can be taken before a thermal event occurs, and four reactive measures in the case of a thermal event occurring.
Up to standard
In terms of next steps, the e-book suggests the development and publication of a UK standard on the fire safety of lithium-ion batteries, and the enactment of the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill, due to be proposed in the House of Commons in 2024.
Matt Humby, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief® Global (pictured), said that given the widespread use of devices with lithium-ion batteries, there seems to be an alarming gap between the actual risk and awareness of the risk. “Education leading to awareness and understanding of the risks involved is needed. There needs to be a change in mindset and attitudes towards these batteries and devices, though many of the precautions that can be taken are simple to implement.
“The findings from any fire risk assessment should provide recommendations on how to ensure that lithium-ion batteries are handled, used, stored or charged safely, and these must be aligned to provide a strategy for fire risk management.”
