The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), like many other fire services around the world, have seen a rising number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, particularly in relation to products such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being used in household appliances, children’s toys, e-bikes, power tools – and even lawn mowers. These batteries can be in various forms including cylindrical, prismatic, pouch, and device specific styles. Lithium-ion batteries can be difficult to identify as there is currently no requirement or standard for labelling. If the battery is rechargeable and has printing which contains words such as ‘lithium ion’ or ‘Li’ it can be assumed that it is lithium-ion.

Lithium-ion batteries are safest when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never modify or tamper with the battery system, including attempting to build your own battery or equipment. It is important to monitor batteries on charge and disconnect them once the indicator shows that a device or battery has been fully charged. The MFS recommends charging devices with large batteries away from exit/entry points and other ignition sources or fuels, and ensure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms.

When lithium-ion batteries fail they may enter a process called ‘thermal runaway’. This involves violent bursting of the battery cells, release of toxic, corrosive, flammable, and explosive vapours and gases, and an intense, self-sustaining fire that can be difficult to extinguish.

If any device or battery starts to give off gas or smoke, or emit flames, it is important to evacuate the area immediately, avoid inhaling the vented battery gases as it is highly toxic, and call the fire service on Triple Zero (000).

NEVER touch, move or try to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. No matter how small the fire might seem, the risk of explosion and release of toxic vapours and gases is high.

Fire and Emergency Services from around Australia and New Zealand are working collaboratively with subject matter experts and stakeholders from around the world, to better understand the risks and hazards, and to develop best practice guidelines for the management of lithium-ion batteries incidents.

For further information:

Battery safety tips, battery handling and recycling - MFS factsheet  Lithium-ion batteries, tools and e-bikes - Battery and charging safety

Smoke Alarms - MFS factsheet Smoke Alarms

Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety – ACCC publication

To recycle used batteries/find a battery drop off point Australia’s official battery stewardship scheme - B-cycle (bcycle.com.au)