There has been much in the news lately about e-bikes and e-scooters and the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries contained in them.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of everyday items including laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, power tools, electric cars, e-bikes and e-scooters. The risks of these batteries exploding or heating up without warning and causing a fire is real.
Aviva research shows that:
- There has been a 7% increase in customer claims for fires started by lithium-ion batteries.
- 1 in 9 Brits have suffered a fire or explosion in their home due to a lithium-ion battery or device.
- 42% of people are not aware of the fire risks associated with charging lithium-ion batteries.
What are lithium-ion batteries
Whilst many business owners associate these risks with residential properties, the risk is also present in commercial properties. For example here are just some of the places that lithium-ion batteries may be found on commercial premises:
- Warehouse may be stocking them in goods
- Automated storage retrieval systems
- Hand held scanners to read bar codes
- General plant and machinery (for example fork lift trucks, manufacturing robots)
- Manufacturers may be using them in manufacturing other goods
- Employees riding and storing e-bikes or e-scooters to work
- Wearable devices
- Office equipment such as laptops and phones
- Commercial waste when items containing them are thrown away
We’re also seeing the problem occurring for a number of landlords, where tenants store high risk items such as e-bikes and e-scooters in rental properties.
What are the risks of lithium-ion batteries?
The risks associated with these batteries are that they can lead to a fire and/or an explosion with little or no warning.
Lithium-ion batteries tend to be safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged.
Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When this energy is released uncontrollably, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases.
Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?
When batteries create more heat than they can dissipate, it can lead to rapid release of heat energy, which can result in fire or explosion. The most common causes of this are over-charging, using incorrect chargers, physical battery damage, heat and defective manufacturing.
Gases can be ejected and ignited with the potential for rapid combustion or explosion.
When are lithium-ion batteries the most risk?
Fire risk
The highest risk of fire or explosion from lithium-ion batteries are when the battery is:
• being charged
• being transported and open to damage
• previously damaged
• over-charged continually
Liability risk
If your business sells products that contain these batteries, you may find you are at greater risk of liability claims for faulty and defective products that cause harm to people and buildings.
If you are transporting lithium-ion batteries in products then it will be your responsibility as the sender to ensure they are packed, labelled and transported correctly.
Managing the risk of lithium-ion batteries
The National Fire Prevention Association has a wealth of information and advice on managing the risk of lithium-ion batteries. You can find it on the NFPA website here.
Business owners
In summary, business owners can manage the risk of lithium-ion batteries in some of the following ways:
- Carry out regular fire risk assessments of your business and your working practices.
- Provide safe and adequate storage areas, separate if possible (for example a limited space of no greater than 20m2 and limit storage height to 1.8m)
- Follow all manufacturer instructions for usage and storage correctly.
- Don’t expose batteries to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
- Inspect batteries, chargers and electrical systems regularly for any signs of physical damage.
- Only use approved and reputable providers of batteries and only use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or compatible chargers.
- Provide safe disposal of batteries that is separated from the general waste you produce, this could be in a separate metal container with a secure lid and don’t dispose of in general waste collections.
- Install charging facilities for electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-scooters in safe locations, well away from busy areas and combustible items.
- Look out for any signs of physical damage to batteries in the premises.
- Educate your teams around the potential risks and ensure there is a clear plan if a fire does break out.
Landlords
It is difficult as a landlord to stop tenants from using and storing e-bikes or e-scooters in their rental property, however, you can do the following to minimise the risk:
- Provide somewhere for tenants to store their electric vehicles that is away from the main property.
- Fit smoke alarms in areas where there is most risk.
- Create a section in your rental agreement that tenants have to sign that lays out your rules for the use and storage of lithium-ion batteries and things like e-bikes and e-scooters. This could contain details such as:
- The landlord being notified if the tenant intends to keep an e-bike or e-scooter at the property.
- That all batteries and charges must meet UK official safety standards.
- All items should be charged with the correct and branded charger for the battery being charged.
- Batteries should only be charged when necessary and never left for long periods on charge and unattended.
- Batteries should not be over-charged and should be unplugged as soon as charging is completed.
- Manufacturers instructions should be followed at all times, including maximum charge levels.
- Damaged batteries should not be used on the premises.
- Batteries should not be modified or tampered with.
- Batteries should be regularly checked by tenants for signs of damage or build up of dust or dirt.
Insurance
Handling lithium batteries correctly is crucial for every business. Having adequate safety standards, risk assessments and procedures will help to avoid costly accidents and keep insurance policies effective and valuable.
As with any risk in business, it is best to check your insurance to make sure that you are covered for damage from battery fires. Most commercial and landlord insurance should provide for this but it is better to check and speak to your insurance broker.
For more help and advice on the risks of lithium-ion batteries in your business or rental properties, contact Harborough Portas today by calling: 0116 260 0506
or email: mail@harboroughportas.com.
