The following fire safety tips will help avoid a lithium-ion battery fire:Don't overcharge or let devices sit plugged in overnight. Keep batteries away from extreme heat or moisture. Keep them in cool, dry places.
Who formulated Li-ion battery safety guidelines?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) were among the pioneering organisations that took a proactive role in formulating guidelines to address Li-ion battery safety concerns.
Are lithium-ion batteries a fire hazard?
Lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes can pose a serious fire risk through a process known as thermal runaway. At least 10 fatalities occurred in fires started in e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in the UK in 2023, with almost 200 fires recorded.
What are some examples of fire safety guidelines for electric vehicles?
Recent examples include the Fire Protection Association's RC59 – Fire safety when charging electric vehicles (PDF), published in January 2023). The following guidance is from the Department for Transport (DfT):
Can a lithium ion battery fire start without warning?
The fires can start without warning, spread rapidly, and are very hard to extinguish. People should never try to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires themselves but leave the area or building as quickly as possible and call 999. While e-bikes and e-scooters are used safely by millions of people every day, the risk of fire increases if they are:
Can a car fire be controlled by a lithium ion battery?
The fire and rescue service may also use specially designed car fire blankets to help control EV (electric car) car fires. Due to the difficult nature of lithium-ion battery fires, it is recommended that you do whatever you can to minimize the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire occurring, despite how rare they are.
What standards apply to e-bikes and their batteries?
To find out more about the standards that apply to e-bikes and their batteries, please refer to: BS EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 for Electrically power assisted cycles – Designated to provide a presumption of conformity under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.