Fire authorities are again asking residents to be aware of the dangers of charging lithium-ion batteries, following yet another house fire that destroyed a unit and damaged three others.
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in most states, with the added danger of being resistant to most household means of combating the initial outbreak.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the batteries contain a massive amount of energy in a relatively small space. When they fail, that energy is rapidly released which can create explosions, highly toxic fumes and secondary ignitions even after the flames have been extinguished.
Some batteries are more volatile. FRNSW statistics show that of 272 incidents in 2023, small portable devices accounted for 72, chargers 36 and ‘micromobility’ (e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility scooters or golf carts) for 67. Micromobility devices were responsible for over half of the recorded injuries.
It’s not all bad, though, as hazards can be avoided by charging safely, taking note of warning signs, disposing of the batteries correctly and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.
FRNSW has developed a toolkit on how to safely use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, and offers the following tips:
– Never use or charge a damaged battery;
– Do not charge batteries when sleeping or not at home;
– Once the device has a full battery, disconnect it from the charger;
– Make sure a smoke alarm or heat alarm is working in rooms where batteries are charged or stored;
– Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can’t catch on fire like concrete floors or tiles. Don’t charge them on surfaces like beds, sofas, or carpet;
– Large batteries like the ones used in e-scooters, e-bikes, and power-tools, should only be charged in the garage, shed or carport, away from living spaces and exits.
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