Lithium-ion batteries: a different kind of workplace risk
Lithium-ion batteries: a different kind of workplace risk
Wherever they are present, the handling of lithium-ion batteries, their storage and the procedures to accompany any fire incident relating to them, need to be embedded in the business’s fire risk assessment and health and safety training programmes.
This is particularly true because a lithium-ion fire does not behave like a standard one. It cannot be tackled with traditional fire extinguishers and nobody should attempt to extinguish one, unless they have undergone specific training.
The main issue is that of thermal runaway – an irreversible and uncontrollable self-heating state a battery can enter, often when overcharged or damaged. In just seconds, this can lead to the breakout of a high-temperature fire, accompanied by smoke and vapours. An exploding battery can shatter fragments widely but also emit hazardous, toxic and potentially fatal fumes.
If there is no ignition source, a cloud of toxic and explosive gases can pool at ground level – precisely where those trained in traditional fire practice keep low, trying to avoid fume inhalation.
With a lethal combination of substances, such as hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, cobalt, nickel, copper and aluminium powder, the dangers to health include everything from death through inhalation, irreparable eye and skin damage, severe vomiting, ulceration of the mouth and throat, and organ damage.
Creating a Safety Plan
Creating a safety plan around the use of such batteries is imperative::
- Identify suitable local exhaust ventilation of a segregated battery charging area.
- Keep this area as a restricted access zone for only essential staff
- Issue essential staff with appropriate PPE
- Locate the area away from the main building
- Ban staff from having metal objects in pockets, or wearing or carrying anything that could fall onto a battery or bridge its terminals
Ensure you take out plant insurance to provide added protection to your business in the unfortunate event of a fire. Discuss short term plant hire insurance or annual cover with our insurance brokers at Insurance4plant.
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Vermiculate extinguishers will help prevent a fire spread but professional assistance is vital, as a lithium-ion fire can reignite hours, days or weeks later. Having robust and well-practiced evacuation procedures, and an emergency response plan, is essential for any business in which such batteries are used.
Fire prevention measures include not exposing the batteries to excessive heat, cold or humidity, and never stacking them under heavy items. No batteries should be charged overnight, and any found to be swollen, damaged or dented should never be used and carefully disposed of by a qualified company.
Get Specialist Advice and Plant Insurance from Insurance4plant
Talk to a broker about how to manage this workplace risk and put a robust emergency plan together. With the unpredictability of such batteries, you could need this at any time. Our expert insurance brokers will also help you with a plant hire insurance policy, to ensure all vital components of your business are insured and covered should the worst happen.
Annual and Short Term Plant Insurance with Insurance4plant
With more than 25+ years of experience providing plant hire insurance, our experts are well-versed within the industry and can help guide you with insurance for plant hire as well as support you in the unfortunate event of a claim. Contact our team to receive a bespoke quote for your business.
The process is quick and simple, quotations and cover can be purchased through the www.insurance4plant.co.uk website with cover and policy documentation issued immediately.
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