The Explainer: Fire safety and lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are found in almost every portable electronic device. Do you know how to respond if one catches fire?
Most people understand that it is common sense to have basic emergency response products available to protect us from common emergencies and hazards that we may face in our homes or at work. These basic tools typically include a first aid kit, smoke alarms, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher, but now there’s a new hazard that has crept into our everyday lives at home, work, and everywhere in between. That’s right! Lithium-ion batteries.
You may be surprised by how common they are, and the risk associated with them if they were to catch fire.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in almost every portable electronic device, and also in larger electronic products. You will likely see Lithium-ion batteries in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, vacuum cleaners, power tools, electric bikes and scooters, emergency lights, and in electric and hybrid vehicles.
In their normal state, if well cared for, lithium-ion batteries pose a low risk of catching fire. However, if they are accidentally damaged, they become very dangerous very quickly and you will need to be prepared to act fast.
The toxic gases and smoke that are produced when these batteries catch fire is very harmful to breathe, and the fire behaves extremely violently. It burns hotter, bigger, and faster than you may expect. This is topped off with the fact that specialist extinguishers are required to effectively fight lithium-ion battery fires – and these extinguishers aren’t widely accessible.
So, what can you do to ensure your safety while living with lithium-ion batteries?
Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed and tested in areas where you typically use and charge batteries powered devices.
Inspect your electronic devices for damage before charging.
Never leave an electronic device charging on a soft surface such as a bed or couch as they generate heat.
Leave e-bikes and scooters in the garage.
Consider purchasing a specialist extinguisher that is developed to extinguish this type of fire.
Have an evacuation plan for your home or business.
Evacuate and call 000 immediately if you discover a lithium-ion battery fire.
Contact the Safety101 team to discuss the best extinguishers for lithium-ion battery fires and the threat they may pose to your workplace.