FIRE RISK AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES – BEST PRACTICE
Introduction
The rise in popularity of light electric vehicles (LEVs) like e-scooters and e-bikes has led to an increase in fires caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in Australia. These batteries store large amounts of energy, making them volatile and prone to explosive failures, toxic fumes, and secondary ignitions.
Understanding how to safely charge these and other devices is crucial for maintaining safety in your strata community.
Types of LEVs Utilizing Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power various LEVs, including:
- E-scooters
- Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
- Electric mobility scooters (e-mobility)
- Self-balancing hoverboards
Other Portable Devices
Lithium-ion batteries are also common in many other portable devices:
- Smartphones: Charge on non-combustible surfaces and avoid overcharging.
- Tablets: Use original chargers and keep them away from heat sources.
- Laptops: Ensure proper ventilation and avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds.
- Power Banks: Do not leave them in direct sunlight or in cars during hot weather.
- Cameras: Follow manufacturer guidelines and store batteries safely when not in use.
Safety Concerns with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in modern electronics due to their high energy density and rechargeable nature. However, they are not without safety concerns, which primarily stem from their chemistry and the potential for thermal runaway.
Here are 3 key safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries:
- Thermal Runaway: This is perhaps the most significant safety concern. Thermal runaway can occur if the battery undergoes a rapid and uncontrollable increase in temperature. It is often initiated by internal or external factors such as overcharging, external heat, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. Once started, thermal runaway can lead to fires or explosions due to the release of stored energy and volatile chemicals.
- Overcharging and Overheating: Overcharging a lithium-ion battery can lead to the decomposition of the electrolyte and the formation of gases, which can cause pressure buildup inside the battery. This can result in swelling, leakage, and in extreme cases, rupture or fire.
- Manufacturing Defects: Defects in the manufacturing process, such as contamination or improper assembly of battery cells, can increase the likelihood of thermal runaway.
To mitigate these risks, safety features, such as the following should be considered:
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): These systems monitor and control the charging and discharging processes to prevent overcharging and overheating.
- Thermal Management: Some devices incorporate thermal management systems to regulate the battery temperature and prevent overheating.
- Regulatory Standards: Governments and international bodies have established regulations and standards to ensure the safe design, manufacture, and transport of lithium-ion batteries.
Guidelines for Safe Charging
- Purchase Wisely: Buy from trusted suppliers and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Professional Repairs: Seek qualified professionals for repairs and replacements.
- Compliant Chargers: Use chargers with the Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark.
- Correct Charger Use: Use designated chargers and cords for each device.
- Safe Surfaces: Charge on non-combustible surfaces like tiles or concrete.
- Supervised Charging: Never leave charging batteries unattended.
- Avoid Extremes: Do not charge exposed batteries; allow them to cool first.
- Prevent Overcharging: Disconnect devices once fully charged.
- Dedicated Areas: Charge in garages or sheds, away from living areas.
- Smoke Alarms: Install alarms in charging/storage areas.
Identifying Battery Failures
Avoid using batteries that smell, leak, swell, change color, make unusual sounds, or overheat. Evacuate immediately and call emergency services if the battery emits smoke or vapors.
Proper Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Follow local fire and rescue service guidelines for disposing of lithium-ion batteries to prevent fires in waste facilities.
Additional Resources
For more detailed safety information, consult:
- Fire Safety Victoria
- Fire and Rescue New South Wales
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
- South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service
- Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
- Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency
Conclusion
While LEVs and other portable devices are eco-friendly and convenient, charging them safely is essential to prevent fires and protect your strata community. Follow these guidelines and consult local resources for comprehensive safety advice.
This article was contributed by Andrew Staehr, Director, Strata Compliance Solutions
Leave a Reply
Andrew.
We need a clear understanding of how the insurers are going to treat both EV cars as well as EV scooters in relation to our building insurance going forward.
For example,
1. Is there likely to be an excess premium paid for every EV scooter/ car on the premises?
2. Are these excesses to be paid by the individual and not by all members of the B/C?
3. Does the B/C need to approve these EV that are bought onto the premises via an application if so, can we get the acceptable wording from our insurer?
4. Does the B/C have the power to ban them from the premises?
5. Can we get a definitive answer from our insurer on their likely policy as we want to know now before it’s too late to reject them if this is the choice of the majority.
Regards
Des Forrester
0404811811
I imagine that (in Queensland) it’s not possible to ban these devices completely. Rather I expect that the challenge is how the body corp can regulate their use in the best interests of all.
My body corp has been exploring a by-law that would require people to apply for approval to have LEVs (in the same way that they would need to apply for pet approval). The expectation is that the body corp would grant approval subject to certain conditions, such as charging only while responsible adult is supervising, only charging on balcony, etc.
It would be great to hear any other experiences people have had.
John, I think that is a sensible approach.
But consider this: what do you hope to achieve by requiring them to ask permission? If it is simply to be able to impose conditions on the activity occurring, then you can do that with a by-law. Not all pet by-laws require permission to be sought before the pet comes on to the lot. Some just acknowledge that certain types and numbers of pets can be brought on to a lot, then the by-law imposes conditions on how pets may be kept (cats must wear bells, dogs must be caged or on a lead when on common property, etc) and then requires approval to keep pets outside the types and numbers already allowed.
By acknowledging that the activity will occur, you take an administrative step (and burden) out of the activity: considering requests and granting approvals.
One of the perceived advantages of requiring occupiers to seek permission to keep and charge LEVs may be that putting them through that process will raise awareness of the risks of the activity and the conditions they must comply with to mitigate risk. However, I think that presupposes that the occupiers wouldn’t be aware of a by-law regulating how LEVs are to be charged unless they went through the approval process, which is counterintuitive.
So unless you think there is a realistic prospect that the committee may decline a request to keep and charge a LEV, consider whether that red tape is needed.