Lithium-ion fires in communal buildings – mitigating against risk
Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2024 12:57 am
Lithium-ion fires in communal buildings – mitigating against risk
Owing to the large numbers of people present within communal office and residential buildings, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires within such premises is particularly severe. Where bikes are stored in communal areas or escape routes, a fire breaking out can quickly block people’s ability to escape.
To mitigate against the likelihood of a lithium-ion battery fire, owners and building managers should adopt the following measures:
Educate building users as to the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires
Make building users aware of the common warning signs of lithium-ion battery failure, including heat, bulging, noise, smell, performance, and smoke
Encourage users to physically inspect charging cables and equipment for damage or compromise before and after charging
Encourage users to allow batteries to cool before attempting to re-charge
Encourage building users to dispose of lithium-ion batteries via the appropriate local recycling locations; disposal of lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish or recycling should be prohibited
Where lithium-ion batteries are permitted, provide designated charging areas for e-bikes and e-scooters; ideally, these should be located as far as possible from buildings, structures, and utilities, including waste compounds, gas storage, and other combustible storage areas
Ensure that charging areas do not obstruct fire exits
Only use charging equipment supplied by the manufacturer of the relevant machine, or where OEM-approved compatible replacement batteries have been fitted by a competent person; do not permit the use of voltage converters
Do not permit batteries to be charged unattended
Ensure charging facilities are adequate for user demand; do not permit the use of multi-point adapters for the charging of lithium-ion batteries
Where lithium-ion battery vehicles are owned or supplied by building owners, ensure all vehicles are included within a documented
Portable Appliance Testing Programme
Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles, such as being installed above ground level, or protected by kerbs, bollards, or metal barriers
Implement procedures for the reporting of faults or damage to batteries and/or charging equipment
However, not all lithium-ion battery fires originate from within the affected premises. In multiple cases with which Lockton is familiar, fires have spread to a building from a neighbouring site.
As such, although the above measures remain effective at preventing fires from within the premises, the security of a building and its residents cannot be guaranteed without wider engagement with neighbours, recognising the mutual threat posed by inadequate lithium-ion battery handling.
This article has been included in the Lockton Risk Radar: Specialist Insurance Publication – October 2023 Edition(opens a new window).
Owing to the large numbers of people present within communal office and residential buildings, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires within such premises is particularly severe. Where bikes are stored in communal areas or escape routes, a fire breaking out can quickly block people’s ability to escape.
To mitigate against the likelihood of a lithium-ion battery fire, owners and building managers should adopt the following measures:
Educate building users as to the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires
Make building users aware of the common warning signs of lithium-ion battery failure, including heat, bulging, noise, smell, performance, and smoke
Encourage users to physically inspect charging cables and equipment for damage or compromise before and after charging
Encourage users to allow batteries to cool before attempting to re-charge
Encourage building users to dispose of lithium-ion batteries via the appropriate local recycling locations; disposal of lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish or recycling should be prohibited
Where lithium-ion batteries are permitted, provide designated charging areas for e-bikes and e-scooters; ideally, these should be located as far as possible from buildings, structures, and utilities, including waste compounds, gas storage, and other combustible storage areas
Ensure that charging areas do not obstruct fire exits
Only use charging equipment supplied by the manufacturer of the relevant machine, or where OEM-approved compatible replacement batteries have been fitted by a competent person; do not permit the use of voltage converters
Do not permit batteries to be charged unattended
Ensure charging facilities are adequate for user demand; do not permit the use of multi-point adapters for the charging of lithium-ion batteries
Where lithium-ion battery vehicles are owned or supplied by building owners, ensure all vehicles are included within a documented
Portable Appliance Testing Programme
Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles, such as being installed above ground level, or protected by kerbs, bollards, or metal barriers
Implement procedures for the reporting of faults or damage to batteries and/or charging equipment
However, not all lithium-ion battery fires originate from within the affected premises. In multiple cases with which Lockton is familiar, fires have spread to a building from a neighbouring site.
As such, although the above measures remain effective at preventing fires from within the premises, the security of a building and its residents cannot be guaranteed without wider engagement with neighbours, recognising the mutual threat posed by inadequate lithium-ion battery handling.
This article has been included in the Lockton Risk Radar: Specialist Insurance Publication – October 2023 Edition(opens a new window).