We have seen over many years the increased use of lithium-ion batteries in the workplace. If the battery is rechargeable and has ‘Li’ or ‘Lithium’ printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery. These rechargeable batteries bring many benefits to industry i.e.
- Less use and reliance on electrical leads,
- Less maintenance,
- More transportable power,
- More mobility i.e. small, lightweight,
- Ease of replacement etc.
However, we have also noticed recently that there has been an increase in fires relating to the use on lithium battery operated equipment in the workplace. We have also noticed an increase in safety alerts notifications from regulatory bodies and organisations relating to these issues.
There are several situations (well known) that can lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including (but not limited to):
- Overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment,
- Overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures,
- Physical damage (e.g., dropping, crushing, piercing, and/or vibrations),
- Short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults,
- Defects or contamination introduced during manufacture,
- Deposing of the batteries in the trash and not recycled etc.
It is extremely important that all hazards in your workplace are identified, so that sufficient controls can be installed and monitored for compliance. A good place to start with lithium batteries is their specific safety data sheet (SDS) or technical data sheets. Controls for these devices could include (but not limited to);
- A purpose-built battery storage areas (cabinet) designed to reduce these risks and provide safe, secure storage for your batteries,
- Self-contained spill containment sump to contain leaks,
- Built-in fan for cooling,
- RCD Protection etc.
https://blog.storemasta.com.au/charging-li-ion-batteries
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/fire-in-the-home/lithium-ion-batteries