Lithium-ion fires in communal buildings – mitigating against risk

[BobAnderson]

Lithium-ion fires in communal buildings – mitigating against risk

Owing to the large numbers of people present within communal office and residential buildings, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires within such premises is particularly severe. Where bikes are stored in communal areas or escape routes, a fire breaking out can quickly block people’s ability to escape.

To mitigate against the likelihood of a lithium-ion battery fire, owners and building managers should adopt the following measures:

Educate building users as to the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires

Make building users aware of the common warning signs of lithium-ion battery failure, including heat, bulging, noise, smell, performance, and smoke

Encourage users to physically inspect charging cables and equipment for damage or compromise before and after charging

Encourage users to allow batteries to cool before attempting to re-charge

Encourage building users to dispose of lithium-ion batteries via the appropriate local recycling locations; disposal of lithium-ion batteries in regular rubbish or recycling should be prohibited

Where lithium-ion batteries are permitted, provide designated charging areas for e-bikes and e-scooters; ideally, these should be located as far as possible from buildings, structures, and utilities, including waste compounds, gas storage, and other combustible storage areas

Ensure that charging areas do not obstruct fire exits

Only use charging equipment supplied by the manufacturer of the relevant machine, or where OEM-approved compatible replacement batteries have been fitted by a competent person; do not permit the use of voltage converters

Do not permit batteries to be charged unattended

Ensure charging facilities are adequate for user demand; do not permit the use of multi-point adapters for the charging of lithium-ion batteries

Where lithium-ion battery vehicles are owned or supplied by building owners, ensure all vehicles are included within a documented

Portable Appliance Testing Programme

Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles, such as being installed above ground level, or protected by kerbs, bollards, or metal barriers

Implement procedures for the reporting of faults or damage to batteries and/or charging equipment

However, not all lithium-ion battery fires originate from within the affected premises. In multiple cases with which Lockton is familiar, fires have spread to a building from a neighbouring site.

As such, although the above measures remain effective at preventing fires from within the premises, the security of a building and its residents cannot be guaranteed without wider engagement with neighbours, recognising the mutual threat posed by inadequate lithium-ion battery handling.

This article has been included in the Lockton Risk Radar: Specialist Insurance Publication – October 2023 Edition(opens a new window).