You may have seen the news headlines relating to e-bike and e-scooter fires in recent months. According to the London Fire Brigade, there was a 78% increase in e-bike fires in 2023 compared to 2022. And this increase is directly related to the use of lithium batteries. Lithium battery fires escalate rapidly once ignited, and are extremely volatile. So, with e-bike and e-scooter use on the up, and lithium batteries being used in an increasingly wide number of products, businesses need to know more about the dangers of lithium batteries, what to look out for, and what to do if a fire breaks out.
Understanding the Dangers of Lithium Battery Fires
What’s the problem with lithium batteries?
Lithium batteries are widely used because they are rechargeable and hold significant power between charges. And most of the time they are safe. However, when damaged, overcharged, wet, or subject to a power surge, short circuiting, or high temperatures, they can become extremely volatile. They will rapidly overheat, which can lead to fire and explosion.
Where are lithium batteries used?
We’ve already mentioned e-bikes and e-scooters, and these are the devices where lithium battery fires have been most common. However, lithium batteries are used in a wide variety of other products. They’re in all mobile phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, vaping devices, power tools, and solar power backup storage. Quite a few of these items will be regularly brought into work by your employees. But because they are personal items rather than belonging to the business, they won’t be subject to PAT screening and other fire safety precautions. And this is where problems start.
How can you minimise the risk of lithium battery fires?
The main reasons lithium battery fires occur are:
- A low-quality substitute battery has been used – Branded lithium batteries can be really expensive. Especially for devices, such as e-bikes. So, people buy secondary batteries cheaply online. Unfortunately, many of these unbranded lithium batteries are cheap for a reason. They are not well made and have not undergone the standard safety testing.
- Overcharging – We’re all guilty of this with our phones and other devices. We charge them unnecessarily because we fear a lack of power when we need it. But an overcharged lithium battery can spontaneously combust. And because they are explosive, the fire can spread rapidly, causing extensive damage.
- The battery has been damaged – As mentioned above, if a battery has been damaged in anyway, it becomes a far greater fire risk. Damaged batteries, or batteries that seem to be hotter than usual after use, should not be used.
- Poor disposal – If a battery is no longer fit for purpose, you can’t simply throw it in the recycling or general waste bin. Because they are inherently flammable and very sensitive to high temperatures/temperature changes, they can easily catch fire. So, old lithium batteries should always be taken to a specialist waste disposal centre.
How do you know if a lithium battery is a potential fire risk?
Lithium batteries tend not to simply fail, they will produce warning signs first. So, if your battery seems to be unusually hot after use or begins bulging, you can assume that there’s a problem. Equally, if it starts to smoke or releases a strong, chemical or burning smell, it could be becoming a fire risk. Some lithium batteries have been known to crackle or hiss before failing. And any performance issues – increased charging time, failure to charge fully, or reduced time between charges – can be a sign that your battery needs replacing.
How can you minimise the risk of a lithium battery fire?
The best way to avoid lithium battery fires is to follow the correct care and disposal practices.
- Always use the battery supplied with your device and the charger that came with it.
- Avoid overcharging. Many branded chargers come with an automatic cut-off or timer.
- Never charge batteries overnight and never leave them unattended when charging.
- Keep batteries cool and out of direct sunlight when not in use.
- Responsibly dispose of any damaged or faulty batteries.
- Businesses can also benefit from providing external storage areas for e-bikes and e-scooters to minimise fire risk.
What should you do in the event of a lithium battery fire?
Lithium battery fires are fast moving and dangerous. In most cases, the best thing you can do is to clear the area and call 999.
If a lithium battery fire seems to be contained, you may be able to tackle it yourself with a CO2 fire extinguisher. But don’t take unnecessary risks.
Lithium battery fires are on the up because there are increasing numbers of lithium batteries in circulation. We’re using them in more things. And we’re cutting corners, finding cheap alternatives and forgetting about safety precautions. Lithium batteries are only a fire risk if they are not treated properly. And businesses need to have a plan in place to limit the potential hazard.
Do you need fire safety advice and support for your business? Nordwell Fire & Security has been serving the businesses of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and the surrounding areas for more than 25 years. Our professional fire risk assessments can help you identify and protect against the fire hazards relating to your business. Get in touch to find out more about how we can help.
