From mobile phones and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, and portable chargers, lithium-ion batteries are an integral part of everyday life. While they provide reliable, rechargeable power, they also pose a significant fire risk that businesses cannot ignore.
When lithium-ion batteries become damaged, overheated, improperly charged or develop internal faults, they can enter a process known as thermal runaway. This is a self-sustaining chain reaction within the battery that generates extreme heat and can result in fire, explosion and the release of toxic and flammable gases. Unlike many conventional fires, lithium battery fires can develop rapidly, spread quickly and may reignite hours or even days after they appear to have been extinguished.
For health and safety professionals, the challenge is that these batteries are now everywhere. The risk is not limited to company-owned equipment. Employees may bring personal devices, mobile phones, vapes, e-bikes, e-scooters and power banks into the workplace, introducing potential hazards that are often overlooked during risk assessment processes.
Spotting the warning signs
Many battery incidents are preventable if early warning signs are recognised. Users should be encouraged to stop using and safely isolate batteries or devices that show signs of:
Excessive heat and smoke
Swelling or distortion
Overheating during normal use or charging
Unusual smells
Leaking fluids
Hissing, crackling or popping noises
Damage caused by dropping, crushing or impact
Reducing the risk
Simple controls can significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident.
Good practice includes:
Using manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries
Avoiding charging on soft furnishings or combustible surfaces
Keeping escape routes clear of charging equipment
Avoiding overnight charging where possible
Removing damaged batteries from service immediately
Providing suitable storage arrangements for spare batteries
Businesses should also consider lithium-ion batteries associated with solar panel installations and battery energy storage systems. These should be included in fire risk assessments, with particular attention given to battery location, ventilation, fire separation, emergency access and the potential impact on means of escape should a battery fire occur.
Safe disposal matters
Improper disposal is another significant concern. Lithium batteries should never be placed in general waste bins. Damaged or discarded batteries can become crushed during handling and transportation, causing fires in waste collection vehicles and recycling facilities.
Instead, batteries should be disposed of through approved recycling schemes or designated battery collection points. Where practical, terminals should be protected to prevent accidental short-circuiting during storage and transport.
Extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire
As mentioned, the main hazard is thermal runaway, where the battery generates its own heat and can continue to burn or reignite even after visible flames have been extinguished. Unlike many conventional fires, lithium-ion battery fires can be challenging to extinguish. The primary objective is to cool the battery and prevent the spread of thermal runaway. Even after flames have been extinguished, batteries may reignite and should be monitored carefully.
If a small Lithium-Ion battery device is burning:-
Firstly if safe to do so, remove to an outside area safe place.
Raise the alarm and call the Fire and Rescue Service.
If safe to do so, isolate the area and evacuate people nearby.
Use copious amounts of water to cool the battery and adjacent batteries.
Continue cooling for an extended period, even after flames appear extinguished.
Monitor for re-ignition.
For Larger Batteries
Evacuate the area immediately.
Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay.
Do not attempt to move a battery that is overheating, smoking, or involved in fire unless there is an immediate life risk.
Large volumes of water are generally the most effective method of cooling and controlling thermal runaway.
Be aware that toxic and flammable gases may be released.
Managing the risk
Lithium batteries power much of modern working life, but they bring risks that should not be underestimated. By raising awareness, promoting safe charging practices and ensuring suitable disposal arrangements are in place, organisations can help prevent fires, protect people and minimise disruption to their business.
We have worked with Safewell for many years and are retained clients, so we have developed an excellent working relationship with the team. However, this really came into its own when Covid 19 appeared.
As a Plumbing and Heating business, we were able to carry on working during the lockdown but only for responding to emergencies. We were obviously very concerned about the health and safety of our employees and before we even had chance to get in touch with Safewell, they had emailed us offering their assistance. It is hard to put down on paper how that made us feel - we like everyone else felt totally at sea, which way to turn, what to do? But Safewell were there guiding, supporting and being totally brilliant. Their attention to detail is very impressive and reassuring and we feel able to ask lots of questions without feeling silly.
During the pandemic Safewell helped us to write risk assessments, safety procedures and protocols. They kept in touch regularly, issuing new guidance as soon as it appeared and checking in with us. They held group Q&A sessions over Zoom which were helpful, and knowing other businesses were facing the same challenges and having the opportunity to discuss issues was invaluable. Their help during the preparation for a full return to work was brilliant, they enabled us to be fully prepared and feel in control, and when we had our first case of Covid within the team, because we had planned our response it felt ok.
I think our team felt very reassured by our robust approach and that our office was Covid secure. We are extremely grateful to all the team at Safewell
