Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday life.

They power e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops, mobile phones, power tools, cleaning equipment and countless other devices used in homes, offices, schools, strata buildings and commercial properties.

Most of the time, they are safe. But when a lithium battery is damaged, overheated, incorrectly charged or poorly stored, the consequences can be serious.

Why Lithium Battery Fires Are Different

Lithium-ion batteries can enter a process known as thermal runaway.

This can happen when a battery becomes unstable and begins generating heat faster than it can release it. In some cases, this can result in intense heat, fire, smoke and potentially toxic gases.

Unlike a normal fire, a damaged lithium battery can also reignite after the initial flames have been extinguished, which is one of the reasons these incidents can be particularly difficult to manage.

The Risk Is Moving Inside Buildings

The growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters has brought greater attention to lithium battery fires, but the risk extends much further.

Commercial and residential buildings may now contain dozens, sometimes hundreds, of lithium-powered devices.

That can include:

  • e-bikes and e-scooters
  • power tools
  • cleaning equipment
  • laptops and tablets
  • rechargeable appliances
  • portable battery packs

The bigger issue is often not the battery itself, but where and how it is being charged and stored.

What Should Building Managers Be Thinking About?

A few simple precautions can make a significant difference.

Where possible, batteries should be charged in appropriate areas away from combustible materials and escape routes. Damaged, swollen or overheating batteries should be removed from use, and only suitable, approved chargers should be used.

It is also worth considering whether tenants, staff and contractors understand the risks.

For property and facility managers, this may mean reviewing charging locations, checking storage arrangements and making sure lithium-powered equipment is not being charged in corridors, stairwells or other areas that could affect evacuation.

Small Changes Can Reduce The Risk

Lithium batteries are not going away. If anything, their use will continue to grow.

The aim is not to create unnecessary alarm, but to make sure buildings adapt to the way these products are now being used.

Good housekeeping, sensible charging practices and early identification of damaged batteries can all help reduce the likelihood of an incident.

At Betta Fire Protection, we work with property managers, strata managers, facility managers, schools, aged care providers and commercial building owners across Sydney to help maintain safe and compliant buildings.

If you would like to discuss fire safety risks within your building, get in touch with our team, and we will be happy to help.