FEATURE
SETTING SAFETY STANDARDS
Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, a specialist in hazardous storage solutions, offers some insight into the most recent guidance on the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries in the UK.
Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous across various industries due to their high energy density, long life cycle, and lightweight design. However, their potential to overheat, combust, and even explode has raised significant safety concerns, particularly when it comes to storage. With a rising number of fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries, there is increasing demand for enhanced regulatory measures and best practices to mitigate these risks.
KEY INCIDENTS HIGHLIGHTING THE RISKS Numerous incidents emphasise the growing need for stringent safety standards and proactive risk management. Below are a few recent examples:
French Recycling Plant Fire (2024): In February 2024, a recycling plant in Rousset, southeastern France, experienced a major fire while storing 900 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries. The fire took days to fully extinguish and raised serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding potential water contamination from firefighting runoff. This incident underscored the importance of rigorous storage protocols, especially in facilities managing end-of-life batteries, which are more prone to instability.
Car Carrier Fire (Dutch Coast, 2023): In July 2023, a fire aboard the cargo ship Fremantle Highway off the coast of the Netherlands resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to several others. The ship, carrying nearly 3,000 vehicles, including electric cars, likely saw its fire triggered by lithium- ion batteries. The fire spread rapidly, demonstrating the unique dangers posed by the transport of large
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quantities of electric vehicles and the inadequacy of existing fire suppression measures.
Leicester EV Scooter Storage Fire (2024): In early 2024, a fire broke out in a storage facility in Leicester, UK, due to improperly stored electric scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries. The lack of proper ventilation and fire suppression systems exacerbated the situation. The incident highlighted the need for appropriate infrastructure when storing large quantities of battery- powered devices.
LATEST INSURANCE INDUSTRY GUIDANCE In response to the growing number of battery-related fires, the insurance industry, including providers such as Aviva, has issued updated guidance on the safe handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries. Key recommendations include:
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https://static.aviva.io/content/dam/document-library/risk-solutions/lithium_ion_batteries_storage_and_transit.pdf
Temperature Control: Batteries should be stored in cool, dry environments, ideally between 40-80F (room temperature is acceptable), away from direct sunlight, water, and humidity to prevent overheating and degradation.
Protection from Physical Damage: Store batteries in secure, well-ventilated metal cabinets or containers to prevent accidental damage, which could increase the risk of short-circuiting or fire.
Isolation of Terminals: Use terminal covers to prevent contact with other terminals or metal surfaces, which could lead to short-circuits.
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