With incidents of battery fires and explosions regularly making the headlines, now is a good time to get on the front foot with lithium-ion battery safety training for your team. But what do you need to know about lithium-ion battery fires — and where do you find suitable battery training courses?
This blog highlights key points that you need to consider when implementing lithium-ion safety training into your organisation. This includes understanding who may require training, what topics need to be covered and what prevention measures for battery fires need to be implemented in the work environment.
As lithium-ion batteries (otherwise known as Li-ion batteries or LIBs) are recognised as Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods, they come with a range of hazards that can potentially lead to incidents, such as fire or explosion, in the workplace.
Due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries, fires are difficult to put out and can also spark thermal runaway in other batteries within the work space. This may lead to a larger fire danger, with the additional issues of toxic smoke and runoff from fire fighting efforts causing harm to people and the environment.
Lithium-ion battery fires require concentrated efforts to extinguish due to the risk of reignition of the battery. This means that cells can appear as if they are extinguished, when they will in fact re-ignite later – continuing the fire risk.
This is why standard fire training or procedures may not be effective in dealing with a lithium-ion battery fire. Therefore, the awareness about LIB fires – and in particular, how to prevent them – becomes an important consideration for businesses working with these Class 9 dangerous goods.
IMPORTANT: Read our popular blog to learn more about lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway and the dangers that they present to the workplace, community, emergency services and surrounding environment.
Lithium-ion battery safety training is relevant for a broad range of businesses. Basically, any workplace carrying these goods must understand how to handle, store and transport them to reduce the likelihood and severity of battery fires.
Almost every workplaces has some quantity of lithium-ion batteries at their site.
However, there are some industries where battery fire training is crucial due to the scope of works and the hazards involved with their work. This may include battery manufacturers, research and development, renewable and sustainable technologies, recycling operations, automotive, mobile and aviation industries.
Other workplaces who simply work with lithium-ion batteries, such in the form of devices, EVs, industrial robots or other technology may not be aware that their staff require a detailed understanding of battery hazards.
Industries that rely on lithium-ion battery powered technology and equipment may include:
These are just some of the common industries that may require lithium-ion battery awareness training to help prevent incidents of battery fires. However, if your workplace is managing Class 9 risks, staff need to be trained to understand proper handling and storage procedures – as well as charging and usage practices.
This training is necessary as mishandling or unsafe storage or transport can result in staff unintentionally creating a volatile situation with li-ion batteries.
REMEMBER: Lithium-ion batteries pose risks such as fire, thermal runaway, and chemical leaks when improperly handled. Proper safety training reduces accidents, ensures compliance with regulations, and protects personnel and assets.
When working with dangerous goods, there are a range of topics that need to be covered to make sure that staff are handling and storing goods in a way that adequately reduces risk.
In a situation where staff are working with lithium-ion batteries, it’s essential for staff to have a general understanding of the hazards, prevention measures and emergency procedures so they can work safely with these cells.
To reduce battery hazards, make sure that your staff follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling, charging and storage.
Topics for Li-ion Safety Training may include:
There's many things you can do to improve battery safety in your organisation. While we recommend a full onsite risk assessment to look at all the dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals and risks in your operations, here are some general tips for lithium battery safety.
Improve safety by:
Battery cabinets offer optimum conditions for lithium-ion battery storage in the workplace. Staff must be trained on the appropriate storage and charging procedures.
Like to learn more about controlling LIB risk? First, you've got to understand the risks that you're facing. Why not enrol in the Storemasta Academy to learn more about dangerous goods - including how to control the risks of lithium-ion battery fires? Our Academy offers easy-to-understand short video courses that can help your team increase their knowledge, safety and compliance.
We also have a range of eBooks to help you reduce your risk. In The Risk Assessment Process for Workplace Batteries, we highlight the Storemasta 4-step risk management methodology that can be applied to any workplace that carries Class 9 lithium-ion batteries - and other types of cells, such as lead acid. Whether you’re operating drones, mobile phones or forklifts, make sure your team understand the dangers that they're dealing with, by accessing this helpful information in our battery eBook.