Lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, but only so long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged. When lithium batteries fail to operate safely or are damaged, they may present a fire and/or explosion hazard.
Lithium batteries have found themselves in the news recently – for both good and bad reasons. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries is due to their ability to store and provide much more energy than other battery types, allowing for longer usage. This has led to a transport revolution, with many people using e-bikes and e-scooters as a greener and more economical form of transportation. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in a frightening increase in particularly dangerous fires.
If overheated – through damage, flawed design, or the use of substandard chargers – lithium-ion batteries can create fierce fires that are not only difficult to extinguish but also release toxic gas. These fires can occur when just one cell of the battery overheats, creating a domino effect or “thermal runaway”, with a fire developing within seconds that can reach a temperature exceeding 600 degrees Celsius.
Steve Sitch, Chief Executive of Exeter Homes Trust has kindly shared with members their Fire Safety Bulletin on the topic of Lithium batteries. Trustees and clerks may want to share similar advice with their residents.
posted 14 September 23