As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, the safety of lithium batteries used to power them is a growing concern. These batteries are essential for the performance and efficiency of EVs, but they also come with risks, and have a great potential to start fires.
For businesses using EVs (offering them to staff as company cars, for instance), and for employees relying on them for daily commutes, understanding how to safely handle, store and maintain lithium batteries is crucial.
This article explores the key aspects of lithium battery safety in the age of e-vehicles. We'll look at common safety practices, regulatory guidelines, and what to do in case of a fire. By staying informed, businesses can protect their employees and assets, ensuring a safer transition to electric transport options.
Here are some important points employers should be aware of when it comes to preventing fires and handling lithium batteries safely.
According to Honeywell Safety, 239 EV fires were recorded in the UK from July 2022 to June 2023.
As a first step, inform your insurers of your intention to install charging points and undertake a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Place charging points outside whenever possible, avoiding canopies or enclosed areas that are close to office premises. For multi-storey car parks, install charging points on an open-air roof. Charging points should be at least 15 metres away from hazardous areas. The storage and charging of electric bikes close to workplaces and residential buildings should also be considered should staff use this method to get to work.
Ensure the designated charging area provides enough space for staff to park their vehicles and connect safely. Provide employees with fire safety training on the safe use of EV chargers, and be sure that the electrical infrastructure can support the charging points. The circuit should be dedicated to the chargers, and not used for other purposes.
To prevent battery fires, here are some key containment measures that employers can take. Staff using EVs to either commute to or travel around for work should be aware of the following:
Employers should be aware of the following legislation associated with EVs and fire safety.
Employers are required to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work. This includes the safe use and handling of lithium batteries.
These regulations mandate safe electrical systems in the workplace, including those involving lithium batteries and EVs.
This regulation requires proper disposal and recycling of batteries. Employers must ensure batteries are collected separately and sent to appropriate recycling facilities.
This law requires the safe transportation of dangerous goods, including lithium batteries. Employers must comply with packaging, labelling, and documentation standards.
This directive sets standards for the collection, recycling, and disposal of batteries. Employers must adhere to these standards to protect the environment and avoid hazardous waste.
For lithium-ion battery-related fires, an employer should generally provide Class D fire extinguishers, as they're intended for metal fires, including lithium. However, lithium-ion batteries can often require more specialised extinguishers containing agents such as Lith-X, which is a mixture of graphite and other materials. This type of extinguisher is particularly effective in smothering lithium fires.
Water mist extinguishers can be useful in cooling and controlling lithium-ion battery fires by producing a fine mist that reduces temperature, without causing electrical conduction. In some cases, clean agent extinguishers like Halotron or FM-200 may also be appropriate, especially in environments with sensitive electronics.
Employees must be properly trained in the use of these extinguishers and in handling lithium-ion battery fires, given their intensity and potential for combustion. For installations such as EV charging points in a contained car park, it's good to have specialised fire suppression systems in place that are designed for temperature monitoring and automatic suppression should a fire occur.
While there's no legislation to force employers into doing this, it's good practice to undertake a risk assessment, and can also help to appease insurance companies. EVs come with their own set of risks that need to be carefully managed to ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and business premises.
A comprehensive risk assessment should include evaluating the potential hazards associated with the safety of charging stations, ensuring they are installed correctly, maintained regularly and used safely to prevent electrical hazards. The risk assessment should also take into account correct procedures for handling and storing EVs, especially in enclosed spaces such as parking garages. Proper ventilation and emergency response plans should be in place to address potential incidents. Regular reviews and updates of the risk assessment are also a good idea to help employers adapt to new technologies and changing conditions.
We help all kinds of businesses to overcome fire safety challenges and mitigate risks. Our professionals at Neathouse Partners can advise on fire hazards and persons at risk, with detailed recordings and explanations of findings. Get in touch to see how we can support your business.
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