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Separation from Flammable Materials: Keep lithium- ion batteries away from other flammable items to reduce the risk of fire spread in case of an incident.
Fire Protection Systems: Install sprinkler systems or, where not feasible, have fire extinguishing tools like dry powder, carbon dioxide extinguishers, or water mist on hand. However, in case of a fire, flooding the battery with water is the primary method for controlling lithium-ion fires.
Fire Risk Assessments: Conduct regular fire risk assessments, especially in facilities storing larger quantities of batteries, to ensure fire safety compliance and readiness for any emergency.
Monitoring for Overheating: Use thermographic cameras to detect hot spots and monitor batteries for signs of overheating or ‘thermal runaway’ events, where a battery overheats uncontrollably.
Battery Condition Checks: Regular inspections for signs of damage or ageing can help prevent incidents. Damaged batteries should be removed immediately from storage and isolated to minimise risks.
These measures aim to prevent incidents, safeguard assets, and align with relevant UK fire safety standards.
https://www.britsafe.org/training-and-learning/informational-resources/storing-lithium-ion-batteries-in-the-workplace https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made
BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL GUIDANCE In February 2024, the British Safety Council released an introductory guide for employers on managing the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in the workplace with a focus on the challenges around the storage of e-bikes and scooters.
“WHILE THE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY BILL BRINGS MUCH-NEEDED ATTENTION TO LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY, IT OFFERS LITTLE FOR BUSINESSES LOOKING FOR DIRECTION ON HANDLING AND STORING BATTERIES SAFELY.”
The guide recommends employers should conduct thorough risk assessments, establish clear policies for charging and cable compliance, and provide designated charging facilities to control hazards effectively. It also recommends having emergency response plans tailored to the unique firefighting requirements for lithium-ion batteries. Chemstore’s fire-resistant storage cabinets, for example, are engineered to ensure quick access for emergency services while containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the facility.
THE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY BILL The Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill, which underwent its first reading on 6 September 2024, aims to enhance safety standards for lithium-ion battery usage, storage, and disposal. Key provisions include mandating that local planning authorities consult with fire services and regulatory bodies (such as
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3742 25
the Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive) before approving large-scale battery storage facilities, to ensure fire and environmental safety. It requires online marketplaces to ensure that all products with lithium-ion batteries meet established safety regulations, helping prevent the sale of substandard, potentially hazardous products. Additionally, it sets safety standards for micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, requiring them to display compliance marks (CE or UKCA) after safety assessments. It also mandates the development of safe disposal protocols for lithium-ion batteries to mitigate fire risks in waste management systems.
“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.”
While the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill brings much-needed attention to lithium-ion battery safety, it offers little for businesses looking for direction on handling and storing batteries safely. Another Bill, the Lithium-Ion Battery Storage (Fire Safety and Environmental Permits) Bill, introduced in the UK House of Commons in September 2022 did more to address lithium-ion battery storage. That bill, however, focused primarily on regulatory oversight for industrial lithium-ion battery storage facilities and did not advance beyond its first reading.
It remains to be seen how far the Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Bill will progress but there is some speculation that its provisions could be incorporated into the Product Safety and Metrology Bill which is also looking to address e-bike safety.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made
TRUST CHEMSTORE FOR COMPLIANT BATTERY STORAGE SOLUTIONS Lithium-ion battery safety is an evolving area of law, which can sometimes leave businesses seeking guidance on their safe handling and storage with more questions than answers. However, as this article highlights, emerging guidelines are beginning to provide some much-needed direction. By following these best practices and collaborating with trusted experts like Chemstore, companies can greatly reduce the risk of fires, explosions, and environmental harm, keeping their operations both safe and compliant.
Our range of fire-resistant storage solutions, advanced monitoring technologies, and comprehensive staff training programmes are designed to offer maximum protection against lithium-ion battery hazards and we are one of the most trusted names in the industry, working with leading brands across multiple sectors. Whether you manage an electric vehicle fleet or handle smaller quantities of batteries, Chemstore has the expertise and solutions to meet your needs.
www.chemstore.co.uk X.COM/TOMORROWHS
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