Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety

However, they can pose a fire risk if damaged or improperly handled. The number of lithium-ion battery fires increased by 46% between 2022 and 2023. This guide outlines key fire risks, prevention measures, and emergency steps for rugby clubs.

Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Catch Fire

1.  Thermal Runaway:

• Internal short circuits or physical damage can cause rapid overheating.
• Overcharging or exposure to high temperatures can lead to excessive heat build-up.

2.  Manufacturing Defects:

• Contaminants or poor design during manufacturing may lead to internal short circuits.

3.  Improper Use:

• Using the wrong charger or physical stress (e.g., dropping or crushing) can damage the battery and lead to failure.

4.  Ageing:

• Over time, battery components degrade, increasing the risk of failure.

5.  Environmental Factors:

• Extreme temperatures, particularly heat, can trigger chemical reactions that lead to fires.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are Dangerous

• High Energy Density: Fires release intense energy that can spread quickly.
• Thermal Runaway: Overheating can cause a chain reaction within battery cells, leading to explosions or fire.
• Flammable Electrolytes: Damaged batteries release flammable liquids that ignite easily.
• Toxic Gases: Fires produce harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide, complicating firefighting.
• Reignition Risk: Even after a fire is extinguished, batteries can reignite due to residual energy.

How to Prevent Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

1.  Purchase Quality Products:

• Buy from reputable manufacturers with CE or UKCA marks.
• Check for product recalls on the government’s product recall website here.

2.  Inspect for Damage:

• Avoid using batteries that show signs of swelling, leaking, overheating, or physical damage.

3.  Install Smoke Alarms:

• Fire England recommends installing smoke alarms in areas where devices are charged or stored. Test alarms monthly.

4.  Safe Charging Practices:

• Charge devices away from flammable materials (e.g., kit stores).
• Disconnect devices once fully charged and avoid overcharging.
• Do not leave devices unattended while charging.
• Only use chargers provided with the device, and never use damaged chargers.
• Charge large devices (e.g., power tools, mobile floodlights, mowers) outside living spaces.
• Keep charging devices away from exits or escape routes.

5.  Proper Storage:

• Store batteries and devices in cool, dry areas, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

6.  Safe Disposal:

• Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish bins. Take them to a local recycling centre.

Emergency Actions

In the event of a lithium-ion battery fire:

• Use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical or lithium-ion fires.
• Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services.
• Do not attempt to move the device once it’s on fire.

By following these guidelines, rugby clubs can minimise the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and ensure safer use of portable electronic devices and equipment.

Insurance consideration

If you have portable devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as floodlights, your insurers will want to know, given the increased fire risk that they present.

Your insurers should be able to provide cover for such items as part of your property and equipment insurance policy. It is likely, however, that they will impose some conditions regarding how they are stored, especially when they are being charged.

We recommend that you make your insurance broker aware if you have equipment that has lithium-ion batteries and ensure that you can comply with any conditions imposed by your insurers, to make sure you are appropriately covered. If you are unsure of anything discuss it with your broker, as they can explain what is required and speak to insurers on your behalf to resolve any queries.

Article produced for Howden Sport, by Praxis42 and Hiscox Risk Academy. Praxis42.com