Lithium-ion batteries are now common use items for all of us in our everyday lives and have become a leading fire hazard, posing serious risks in our homes, our workplaces and even our waste facilities. They are now a recognised risk from all areas of government and fire authorities in Australia.

Common examples of what batteries are used for include:

  • Mobile phones, laptops, game consoles and cameras
  • Motor vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters
  • Battery powered hand tools
  • Industrial equipment such as forklifts
  • Various items of medical equipment

A recent ABC article reported that lithium-ion batteries are causing more than 10,000 fires a year in Australia within the waste industry alone. There are many causes for this, some of which include:

  • Overcharging: can cause stress on then internal components and can cause thermal runaway. Thermal runaway if a chain reaction that can create extreme heat that causes fires to items immediately around the battery.
  • High temperatures: Exposure to high temperatures can also lead to thermal runaway.
  • Short circuiting: If the terminals of the battery connect directly, or through a conducting item such as a piece of metal, short circuiting can result in a rapid discharge of electrical energy which could cause shock, heat and fire, and explosions.
  • Physical damage: damage to the structure through crushing or puncturing can cause thermal runaways or shorty circuiting.
  • Manufacturing defects: The dearth of cheap electrical items on the market as ever decreasing prices means that cheaper manufacturing could lead to any of the above issues.

Lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious risk to health and safety and can result in serious damage, injury or even fatalities. The main risks can be summarised as:

  • Fire
  • Chemical exposure
  • Electrical Hazard

Risk can be minimised by following simple steps:

  • Only purchase lithium-ion battery products from reputable manufacturers
  • Only use the chargers specifically designed for that battery type and voltage, and ensure they are tested regularly for electrical safety.
  • Do not overcharge the items. A good idea is to put an alarm on your phone to remind you to take items off charge. Overcharging is also commonly caused by leaving items on charge whenever they are not in use, a good example of this is cordless vacuum cleaners.
  • Never use damaged batteries. Replace them immediately if you notice something not right
  • Dispose of them through battery recycle schemes and use transparent taper over the terminals to ensure there can be no short circuits when disposed of
  • In the event something does go astray, give yourself the best chance of minimising harm by ensuring the area/s where you charge your items have smoke alarms installed. Test them regularly to ensure they are working properly.
  • For businesses ensure you have the right fire extinguishers and exit lights installed for workplace safety. For residential, consider the installation of appropriately classed fire extinguishers in at risk areas.

Jim’s Fire Safety and Jim’s Test & Tag can help with all your fire safety and electrical testing needs.