Safety Warning: Lithium-ion Battery Fire Risks
A recent major fire on Union Street in Glasgow has brought renewed attention to the risks of lithium-ion battery fire incidents associated with everyday battery-powered products. The incident, believed to have originated from lithium batteries stored within a vape shop, led to a significant building fire and major disruption in the surrounding area. Events like this highlight just how quickly fires involving lithium batteries can escalate.
Lithium-ion batteries are now widely used, from power tools, communication devices, laptops, vape devices and many other rechargeable products, therefore, understanding their behaviour is becoming essential for fire safety.
While these batteries offer efficient and reliable energy storage, they can present a serious fire hazard if they are damaged, incorrectly charged, or improperly stored.
Why Lithium Batteries Can Be Dangerous
Lithium batteries contain highly reactive materials and store a large amount of energy within a small unit. If a battery becomes damaged, overheats, or is connected to incompatible charging equipment, it can trigger a process known as thermal runaway (a self-accelerating chemical reaction).
During thermal runaway, the battery temperature rapidly increases, causing the release of flammable gases, which can ignite. These fires burn extremely hot, can spread quickly, explode, and are often difficult to extinguish once they begin.
Charging: One of the Highest Risk Activities
Many lithium battery incidents occur during the charging process. Fires have been linked to batteries being:
- Charged using incompatible chargers.
- Left charging unattended for long periods.
- Placed close to combustible materials.
- Charged on unsuitable surfaces that trap heat.
Additionally, batteries that have been dropped, crushed, or exposed to high temperatures may develop internal faults. These faults can lead to delayed ignition hours or even days later.
Reducing the Risk
Preventing lithium battery fires starts with correct use and proper management.
Batteries and chargers should always be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Before use, they should be inspected for signs of damage such as swelling, overheating, loose connections or unusual odours. Only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers should be used, as incompatible equipment can cause overheating or overcharging.
Charging should take place in a well-ventilated area and away from combustible materials. Batteries should never be charged on surfaces such as paper, cardboard, or fabric where heat can build up. Unless a designated monitored charging system is in place, batteries should not be left charging unattended or overnight.
Safe Storage Practices
Correct, safe storage is one of the strongest defences against lithium battery fires.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and protected from physical damage.
- Remove any batteries showing signs of swelling, leakage, excessive heat, or burning smells immediately and report to a manager/supervisor. (Follow the below steps (if safe to do so)).
- Do Not Touch: If the battery is already smoking or on fire, do not touch it.
- Move Outside: If safe to do so, use fire-resistant tools (like metal tongs) to move the device outside to a non-flammable surface, such as concrete or dirt.
- Contain It: Place it inside a metal bucket or container, ideally filled with sand or dirt.
- Ventilation: If you cannot move it outside, place it near an open window and make sure the container is not airtight to avoid a pressure explosion.
- Call Emergency Services: If the battery is smoking or on fire, call emergency services and inform them it is a lithium battery fire.
- Use fire-resistant cabinets or dedicated storage rooms for larger quantities.
- Separate charged, discharged, and damaged batteries.
- Keep away from combustibles and ignition sources.
- Implement temperature monitoring for high-risk environments.
Avoid:
- Storing batteries in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- Keeping damaged or swollen batteries on site.
- Stockpiling large quantities without a risk assessment.
What To Do If a Battery Fails
If a battery begins to overheat, smoke, or show any signs of failure, work should stop immediately, and the surrounding area should be cleared. The battery should only be handled if it is safe to do so, and emergency procedures should be followed where there is a risk of fire.
Lithium battery fires can develop rapidly and without warning, making early recognition and safe handling essential.
Quick Safety Reminders
- Train staff to recognise early warning signs
- Only use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers
- Do not charge batteries unattended or overnight unless in a controlled charging area
- Inspect batteries regularly for damage, swelling, or overheating
- Charge batteries in well-ventilated areas away from combustible materials
- Remove damaged or defective batteries immediately
- Store batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and protected from physical damage.
By ensuring lithium batteries are handled, charged and stored correctly, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect both people and property.
Review your current Fire Risk Assessment to ensure this includes any lithium-ion hazards/control measures required.
