Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become commonplace in commercial warehouse and logistics environments. Small lithium-ion batteries can be found in everything from pocket vapes and smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial machinery. Convenient, efficient, and rechargeable, lithium batteries have become a widespread staple of daily life.

However, it is important to realise that lithium batteries also come with risks. While sudden failures are rare, lithium batteries that are overcharged, damaged, or kept in unsafe conditions can present a serious fire safety risk.

All of this has made Li-ion safety precautions critical in industry environments. Not only can they be found in battery-powered devices like power tools and electric delivery vehicles, but they are often brought to work by employees, sometimes being left to charge in break rooms or disposed of with workplace waste. This makes it even harder to keep track of batteries in the workplace, creating even greater risks.

In this article, we take you through the dangers lithium batteries can present, as well as how to ensure you and your staff can use them without having to worry.

Are Lithium-ion batteries dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries come with several potential hazards, usually resulting from:

• Physical damage
• Exposure to heat
• Puncturing
• Overcharging
• Poor manufacturing

In some cases, Li-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway, leading to spontaneous ignition and the release of flammable gases. In enclosed spaces, these gases may accumulate and, if ignited, create a vapor cloud explosion. The thermal runaway process occurs extremely quickly, and as it propagates between cells, it can cause fires to spread rapidly.

To fully understand the risks of Lithium-ion batteries, it’s important to realise how widespread they are. For example, they are frequently used in e-bikes and electric scooters. In 2022/23, it was found that 91% of fires involving electric bikes or scooters “were recorded with batteries or generators as the source of ignition”. They are also used with other consumer electronics like mobile phones, laptops, and power banks, any of which can pose dangers if handled or stored incorrectly.

While lithium batteries are not unsafe by nature, it’s important to remember that damage from dropping or knocking a battery can often go unnoticed at first. Others might be stored in places where they could overheat. Users may also be tempted to buy cheaper, more dangerous replacement batteries from less reliable manufacturers.

In short, even failing to stay aware of the batteries in your workplace can present a serious safety risk. Past cases of warehouse fires demonstrate how fundamental battery precautions have become. Not only will you need to follow best practices to source and maintain your own batteries, but you will also need to teach staff best practices to cut the chances of negligence causing a serious accident.

Using Lithium-ion batteries safely

To prevent what could be catastrophic damage, it is essential to recognise the risks and implement preventive measures.

• Choose a suitable charging location – For larger devices that require charging, designate a specific area, away from any flammable materials. If charging batteries in an internal area, ensure it has a fire compartmentation with a minimum of 120 metres of fire resistance. Crucially, do not charge batteries along exit routes. Be sure to monitor the batteries to avoid overcharging.
• Use the right equipment – When it comes to using chargers, it is important to make sure they are manufactured to appropriate safety standards. Only use chargers supplied by the original manufacturer of the equipment and, if a charger breaks, buy an authentic replacement from the same company. You should also avoid using extension leads or adaptors for charging.
• Safe charging – It is important to follow safeguards and practices for charging batteries. For example, you should not charge a battery until it’s had around 15 to 30 minutes to cool down. Do not use batteries or chargers that appear damaged, and don’t leave anything charging overnight or in an empty building. Avoid covering batteries or chargers, as this can help them overheat and cause a fire. Finally, be sure to unplug any chargers after use.
• Encourage precautions – With how widely used lithium-ion batteries are in consumer electronics, workplace battery safety requires teaching staff best practices. For example, staff should know not to try disposing of batteries in communal bins or charging batteries overnight. You can also make sure staff are aware of any nearby disposal facilities. Depending on the size of your team, you may even want to invest in safety awareness training. While there are no legal requirements relating specifically to battery safety and storage, the Health and Safety Executive has released guidelines to help companies adapt.
• Safe incident response – It’s important to have a clear response in the event of a Lithium-ion battery fire. As well as having members of staff trained to deal with potential fires safely, you must also have a clear, verified evacuation plan.
• Safe storage – Lithium-ion batteries should be stored securely, with adequate space and temperature control. Many battery storage solutions even come with fire safety and temperature controls built in as standard.

The right workspace for Lithium-ion batteries

If you utilise machinery and equipment powered by lithium batteries, it’s important to have a site where they can be used and stored appropriately. This can mean finding a warehouse with enough storage space, adequate temperature controls, or even a battery recycling centre close by.

Mileway’s property portfolio offers commercial warehouses, offices, and other units throughout the UK. Our specialist local teams can help you find your ideal rental property, regardless of your requirements.

Contact the Mileway team today to find out more.

FAQ

Are Lithium-ion batteries sustainable?

While less harmful to the environment than most fossil fuels, ion batteries are not entirely sustainable. This is due to the challenges of extracting the materials used in their manufacture, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium.

Despite this, advances in Lithium-ion batteries have made them not only safer to use but also more effective in terms of energy density and efficiency. They are also a far more sustainable solution than fossil fuels, helping businesses greatly reduce their carbon footprint. 

The potential and value of Li-on batteries have led to greater investment in making them more sustainable. This includes making them more recyclable and easier to repurpose. However, questions remain about their long-term viability.