By Jessica Brewer – Head of Property Management
One of the fastest-growing fire risks in the country is lithium battery fires, which have recently received increased media coverage. We have encountered several claims related to fires that have been traced back to lithium-ion battery devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent in larger devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as smaller gadgets like phones, laptops, power tools, garden equipment, and kitchen appliances.
These batteries pack significant energy in a compact space, and when they fail, they can release a substantial amount of energy, leading to toxic fumes, explosions, and flames.
You can help minimise these risks by preventing or mitigating hazards through the development of good charging habits, recognising warning signs of faulty equipment and damaged batteries, and ensuring safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
Three habits to adopt when using lithium-ion batteries:
Safe Charging
- Charge your batteries and devices on hard surfaces. Never charge them on beds, blankets, or carpets.
- Never leave the devices on charge when you go to sleep or leave the residence.
- Do not charge a battery that shows signs of damage.
- Do not charge the batteries or devices while they are hot.
- Avoid places where the batteries or devices may get hot or wet, such as in the sun or a hot car.
- Crucially, do not charge a device in an escape area such as a doorway, hallway, or corridor. You could be trapped if there is a fire.
Safe Products
- Purchase products from reputable suppliers. Second-hand devices should be checked thoroughly.
- Only use chargers and cords supplied with the device and ones that meet Australian Standards.
- Do not modify or tamper with batteries and the devices they power.
Safety
- Stop using the product if you notice overheating, bulging, leaking, or unusual sounds.
- If you see smoke, flames, or a vapour cloud, call 000 immediately.
- Never throw lithium-ion batteries in your regular waste or recycling collection bins. Many battery-related fires start in household bins, rubbish chutes, and waste disposal areas.