Lithium-ion Battery Safety: Essential Tips for Strata Properties

Discover essential lithium-ion battery safety tips for strata properties. Learn how to identify risks, prevent fires, and ensure safety in your community with Strata Management Canberra.

Battery and Charging Safety

In today’s tech-savvy world, many portable devices rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are celebrated for their lightweight, energy-dense, and long-lasting nature. They power our phones, tablets, power banks, computers, toys, appliances, and even mobility devices like electric bikes and scooters. However, ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) has reported a rise in fires related to lithium-ion batteries. It’s crucial for residents and property managers to understand these risks and be prepared to act if problems arise.

Identifying Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) come in various formats—cylindrical, flat, rectangular, pouch, and device-specific—and can be challenging to identify due to the lack of standard labeling requirements. Most lithium-ion batteries have some form of printing with terms like “lithium-ion,” “Li-ion,” “Li-po,” or “Lithium-polymer.” If a battery is rechargeable and mentions “Li” or “Lithium,” it’s likely a lithium-ion battery.

Non-rechargeable or disposable lithium batteries, known as lithium metal batteries, should also be handled with care. They can expel molten flammable metal and emit toxic gases during a fire. Treat small fires involving disposable lithium batteries similarly to lithium-ion battery fires. For large quantities of lithium metal batteries, specialist Class D dry powder extinguishers may be necessary.

Why Do Lithium-ion Batteries Catch Fire?

Lithium-ion batteries are energy-dense and contain highly flammable electrolytes. Several factors can lead to these batteries catching fire, including:

  • Overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment.
  • Overheating or exposure to extreme temperatures.
  • Physical abuse (e.g., dropping, crushing, piercing, vibrations).
  • Short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions, or system faults.
  • Manufacturing defects or contamination.

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can undergo thermal runaway. This involves the violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, release of toxic, flammable, and explosive gases, and an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.

Safety Tips for E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Other Light Electric Vehicles

Electric bicycles, scooters, mobility scooters, and self-balancing scooters—collectively known as light electric vehicles (LEVs)—are increasingly popular. These vehicles often contain lithium-ion batteries and pose risks such as fire, explosion, radiation, heat, chemical, and electrical hazards.

Minimising Hazards and Risks

To ensure the safety of residents in strata properties, Strata Management Canberra recommends the following measures:

  • Purchase from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Use only chargers supplied with the device or certified third-party chargers compatible with the battery specifications. Incorrect chargers can cause overheating and fires.
  • Ensure chargers bear the Regulatory Compliance Mark, indicating they meet Australian Standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).
  • Avoid leaving LEV batteries or devices unattended while charging or charging overnight. Disconnect once fully charged.
  • Do not charge or store LEV batteries or devices on combustible surfaces like beds, sofas, or carpets, and keep them away from highly flammable materials.
  • Where possible, store and charge LEVs outside in a garage, shed, or carport away from living spaces and combustible materials.
  • Only have device repairs and battery replacements or upgrades performed by a qualified professional.
  • Install a smoke alarm or a heat alarm in garages where a LEV is stored and/or charged. Preferably, have a licensed electrician install and interconnect mains-powered smoke alarms. Ensure compatibility for interconnection with the manufacturer or distributor.
  • Never store or leave LEV batteries or devices in areas exposed to heat or moisture. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or parked vehicles where they can heat up quickly.
  • Do not use LEV batteries or devices that show signs of swelling, leaking, overheating, or mechanical damage.

By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and property managers can significantly reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the strata community. Stay informed, stay safe, and help prevent potential hazards.