A recent QBE Insurance Group study has revealed a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery fires across the UK, with fire services now responding to at least three incidents daily – a 93% increase since 2022.
This data underscores the urgent need to reinforce safety protocols across manufacturing, distribution and end-user education.
Fire safety consultancy, Safety Group UK, has issued recommendations to help mitigate these risks.
Key safety measures to prevent lithium-ion battery fires include:
- Source from certified suppliers: Ensure all lithium-ion cells and packs come from reputable manufacturers with CE, UL or UKCA certification. Avoid grey-market imports and unverified online vendors.
- Use approved charging systems: Mismatched chargers are a leading cause of thermal runaway. Always specify and supply manufacturer-approved charging equipment.
- Inspect for damage: Even minor physical damage can compromise cell integrity. Implement routine inspection protocols, especially post-shipping or installation.
- Control thermal environments: Design storage and charging areas with adequate ventilation and temperature monitoring to prevent overheating.
- Avoid soft surfaces during charge cycles: Recommend charging on non-flammable, stable surfaces to reduce ignition risk.
- Supervise charging: Encourage users to avoid overnight or unattended charging, particularly in residential settings.
- Implement safe disposal practices: With over 1,200 battery-related fires in UK bin lorries and waste sites last year, proper recycling channels must be used.
- Establish emergency plans: Equip facilities with lithium-specific extinguishers and ensure clear evacuation routes. Never charge e-bikes or scooters near exits.
