Lithium-ion batteries are the main type of rechargeable battery used and stored in commercial premises and residential buildings. The risks associated with these batteries can lead to a fire and/or an explosion with little or no warning.
Unfortunately, we’re seeing a significant increase in fire claims caused by lithium-ion batteries, so we’ve collated advice to help prevent fires and keep properties and people safe.
The easiest answer is everywhere. We all use lithium-ion batteries every day in mobile phones, laptops, power tools, e-cigarettes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Residential buildings are likely to have tenants or occupiers using, storing and charging these batteries.
Warehouses and retail properties may have a stock of new or used lithium-ion batteries.
Products containing these batteries range from wearable technology devices (e.g. medical) to general plant and machinery (e.g. forklift trucks). Hand-held scanners for reading bar codes and picking goods often contain lithium-ion batteries. Automated storage and retrieval systems will have a large number of robots that may be powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Manufacturing premises often use portable hand tools, plant or machinery powered by these batteries. They may also manufacture, maintain or repair items with lithium-ion batteries.
If a battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively dissipate, it can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy or thermal runaway, which can result in fire and/or an explosion. The most likely causes are from physical or chemical damage, heat, over-charging / over-discharging or defective manufacturing.
Thermal runaway can lead to the ejection of a range of gases. If a battery vents or ruptures due to a thermal runaway, immediate ignition of the emitted gases can occur. Alternatively the gases can spread, unignited, with the potential for a very rapid combustion or explosion. This can lead to a secondary fire and therefore spreading the original fire further.
The highest risk of a fire occurring is when a battery:
Commercial building fires
Lithium-ion batteries - how to reduce the risk of fires in commercial buildings
E-bike and E-scooter fires
