Overcharging, short circuits and damage can lead to overheating, explosions, and fires. Here are 8 ways to help prevent fire and explosions when using lithium-ion batteries in commercial and industrial environments. 1. Install Sprinkler Protection
Mobile phones, e-cigarettes, laptops, hoverboards and many other electronic devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are normally very safe, but if used improperly then there is a small risk of fire or explosion. Read this article to learn how to handle lithium-ion batteries safely.
Specific risk control measures should be determined through site, task and activity risk assessments, with the handling of and work on batteries clearly changing the risk profile. Considerations include: Segregation of charging and any areas where work on or handling of lithium-ion batteries is undertaken.
Due to lithium-ion batteries generating their own oxygen during thermal runaway, it is worth noting that lithium-ion battery fires or a burning lithium ion battery can be very difficult to control. For this reason, it is worth understanding how lithium-ion fires can be controlled should a fire scenario happen.
In the case of fires involving large arrays of lithium-ion battery cells, like those used in electric vehicles, lithium-ion battery fires are normally only controlled and extinguished when the fire and rescue service deliver a large amount of water to the burning materials for a significant amount of time.
For a fire risk assessment to be considered suitable and sufficient it must consider all significant risks of fire. Where lithium-ion batteries are concerned this should cover handling, storage, use and charging, as appropriate.