BATTERY STORAGE SAFETY

When you hear that a major insurance company has had a significant rise in commercial property fire claims it makes sense to look at the reasons why. When one of the issues highlighted is the storage of batteries it’s time to sit up and take notice.
When batteries create more heat than can be efficiently dissipated a thermal runaway can happen which may lead to a fire or explosion. Although the highest risks occur when a battery –
 Is on charge
 Has been damaged (thermal runaway can happen weeks after the damage has been done)
 Has been over-charged or continual charging and discharging
 In transit where there is a risk of damage
Of the four types of lithium rechargeable batteries cylindrical and button are more robust and stable so the prismatic and pouch cells are less stable.
Some suggestions to ensure safe handling and general good practice include:
 Regular fire risk assessments which should consider handling, storage, use and charging
 Emergency procedures around handling and storage, particularly (potentially) damaged batteries
 Batteries should be handled and stored in well-ventilated areas which are dry and cool
 Fire alarm installation
 Battery handling/charging/storage areas should be free of flammable or combustible materials (minimum of 2 metres away)
 Damage inspections of all batteries as soon as possible after arrival at the premises
 QUARANTINE any batteries that are or potentially are damaged
 Charging batteries should be in a separate building where possible rather than an unoccupied area of a main building
 All tools used in the installation and maintenance should be suitable for battery work such as electrically insulated and acid resistant
 Metallic items (eg watches or neck chains) should not be worn when working on large batteries to prevent short circuiting

For more guidance from the Fire Protection Association go to www.thefpa.co.uk and search for FPA RC61 (all batteries) or FPA RE2 (lithium-ion battery specific.