Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common in homes and workplaces. Whether they’re used to power phones, tablets, solar storage, drones, tools or industrial robots, lithium-ion batteries are a new technology that’s gaining momentum as we move towards decarbonisation.
However, if these batteries are overcharged — or there’s a fault in their manufacturing, storage or handling — they can ignite. These blazes aren’t your usual workplace fire, either. In fact, Li-ion batteries have the unique ability to reignite after they have been extinguished. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at lithium-ion battery fires and discuss why you may need to consider fire suppression for your stores.
You don’t have to search for too long to find a news article about a lithium-ion battery fire. From electric vehicles catching alight while they’re on charge to houses being decimated due to a solar storage system going up in flames, there are more and more incidents of lithium battery fires being reported in Australia.
A media release from Stephen Dawson, WA’s Emergency Services Minister, urged the public to be aware of the potential for lithium-ion battery fires.
“Structure fires caused by a battery, powerpack or charger have nearly doubled in the past five years,” the Minister explains.
“If a lithium-ion device is overcharged, faulty or poorly manufactured, the batteries can overheat and start a fire that has the potential to destroy an entire home in just minutes.”
Unlike other fires which may be sparked by flammable liquids, combustibles or electrical faults, lithium-ion battery fires pose a specific challenge and heightened risk to those who are attempting to put out the blaze.
This is due to the battery’s ability to reignite after it’s been put out.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries with a high energy density that contain flammable electrolytes and lithium ions. These batteries can succumb to a process known as thermal runaway, which can result in catastrophic fires and explosions.
When thermal runaway occurs, the battery’s anode breaks down due to the cell overheating and releases the flammable hydrocarbon. This chemical chain reaction then results in the short circuiting of the polymer electrode, which leads to the ignition of the battery.
When Li-ion batteries ignite, they rapidly release built-up pressure and produce extreme heat. As this type of battery is particularly sensitive to heat, the thermal runaway can then occur in other Li-ion batteries that are stored close-by.
This affect then creates a larger, more dangerous fire, that becomes increasingly difficult to extinguish.
Li-ion batteries are also recognised for their ability to reignite – making it a unique and difficult blaze to get under control. The likelihood of battery reignition is due to the self-oxidizing lithium salts contained within the battery. If the cell is exposed to extreme heat, it will continue to reignite. Therefore, these types of fires can’t be easily put out with traditional fire-fighting methods, such as water extinguishers.
So, how can you action fire suppression before your battery fire becomes a devastating blaze?
While fire services should always be immediately called if a lithium-ion battery is over-gassing or alight — it’s also important that you consider installing fire suppression systems that are suitable for you Li-ion batteries. Fire suppression is designed to be activated when a specific temperature or humidity is detected, meaning that the fire suppressant discharge may occur before you are even aware that there may be a problem.
We recommend storing your batteries in a Storemasta Battery Charging Cabinet or Outdoor Battery Store to create an optimum for charging and storage of batteries. These battery storage solutions can also be equipped with Dangerous Goods Fire Suppression Systems.
Fire suppression offers workplaces an extra layer of protection from these fast-moving, hot burning fires that are becoming increasingnly frequent in both commercial and residential premises.
Fire suppression for LIB cabinets and outdoor stores can help suppress a blaze when it breaks out.
You can opt for non-monitored or monitored Dangerous Goods Fire Suppression Systems.
Non-monitored systems will discharge the battery fire suppressant (a non-pressurised, non-toxic suppressant suitable for lithium-ion batteries), but will not alert staff with an alarm.
Monitored fire suppression systems include technology to alert staff to any hazards witihin the cabinet or battery store with an audio and visual alarm — while discharging the fire suppressant.
IMPORTANT: Auto dialers are also available an an optional extras. This technology automatically SMSs up to 10 staff numbers to give notice of any hazards that may be occuring within your dangerous goods stores.
There are other measures that you should put in place to reduce the risks associated with this type of workplace battery. Just like controlling any chemical hazard in your organisation, you should consider a range of controls (engineering, administrative etc) if you are carrying any quantity of lithium-ion batteries.
Additional ways to minimise the risk of these batteries in the workplace can include:
REMEMBER: Your fire and emergency planning should always be done in consultation with emergency services. You should also ensure that regular onsite risk assessments are conducted to ensure that your organisation is completely aware of the hazards that are present in your workplace.
With the increase of battery fire incidents in both homes and businesses across the country, it’s a good time to consider how your lithium-ion batteries are being used and stored in your own workplace. Installing Dangerous Goods Fire Suppression Systems can be an effective part of your emergency plan. However, there are many more ways that you can safeguard your operations against the risks associated with this type of battery.
To learn more about how to safely charge and store your Li-ion cells, why not access our eBook? Our free download will give you expert tips on how to minimise the likelihood of battery fires in your organisation through the implementation of battery charging and storage solutions, like our 18- and 8-outlet battery cabinets. Get your copy of our eBook for free today by clicking on the image below.