Aviva’s plea as businesses fail to prioritise safety around lithium-ion batteries

Many businesses are failing to prioritise safety around lithium-ion batteries, according to Aviva.

Data published by the insurer showed that 54% of companies had encountered an issue linked to lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in devices such as laptops, smartphones, e-bikes and power tools.

Figures also showed that 19% of businesses reported fires or explosions, 36% experienced overheating and 17% encountered smoking.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a rage of commercial applications, from portable power tools; portable computers and tablets; Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) equipment; torches and temporary lighting; communications and scanning equipment, through to E-Bikes, E-Scooters, electric delivery vans and vehicles.

Avia says that lithium-ion batteries in the workplace introduce a fire hazard that, as with any power storing and generating equipment, requires careful management to help reduce the potential for fire events.

Damaged, faulty, misused, modified, or aged batteries can be more vulnerable to ignition with the resultant fires being particularly volatile and difficult to suppress, and often automatically reigniting sometime after the original fire has been extinguished.

The resultant fire can spread to buildings, contents, and impact trading, as well as potentially leading to contamination and pollution as a result of fire water run-off.

Despite the risks, the research found that just over half of businesses who had already experienced an incident now avoid overcharging (52%), use genuine compatible chargers (51%) or follow manufacturer guidelines when disposing of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries (56%).

Meanwhile, fewer than half of respondents regularly maintain charging equipment (47%), make sure they have well-ventilated charging areas (46%), partner with or use certified recycling facilities (45%), have internal disposal protocols (44%) or charge on non-flammable surfaces (41%) – despite the fact they’d experienced an issue such as smoking, sparking or an explosion.

Chris Andrews, director of risk management solutions at Aviva, said: “Lithium-ion batteries are critical to many modern technologies, but they carry inherent risks if not handled properly.

“Thermal runaway – where overheating triggers an uncontrollable fire – can make these incidents particularly severe and difficult to extinguish.”

Training gaps

Aviva also stressed that businesses should have regular training on how to use lithium-ion batteries.

The insurer said that while 93% of businesses that reported previous incidents had some form of staff training in place, just 41% conducted regular training on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Andrews said: “By training employees on safe handling, storage and emergency response, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to battery-related incidents.

“Businesses must take proactive steps to address these risks.

“The consequences of neglecting proper safety protocols can be catastrophic, both in terms of financial loss and human safety.”

How to mitigate the risks

Aviva says that there are a number of precautions businesses can take when dealing with lithium-ion batteries, to reduce the associated risks. These include:

• Charge safely: Always charge batteries in a safe location, preferably outside or in a dedicated charging area away from combustible materials.
• Supervise charging: Make sure that charging is supervised and only done when the premises are occupied.
• Use proper equipment: Use proprietary charging cabinets or dedicated rooms to limit fire spread in case of an incident.
• Regular inspections: Frequently inspect batteries for any signs of damage, unusual odours, swelling or heat generation.
• Replace batteries: Replace batteries regularly and before they reach their recommended end of life.
• Emergency preparedness: Develop and train workers on an emergency plan to handle battery-related incidents.
• Store safely: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid overcharging: Don’t overcharge batteries and follow manufacturer guidelines for charging times and conditions.
• Handle with care: Handle batteries carefully to avoid physical damage, which can lead to thermal runaway.
• Dispose properly: Dispose of batteries according to local regulations and guidelines to prevent environmental hazards.
• Monitor temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of batteries during use and charging to prevent overheating.
• Educate employees: Make sure that all employees are aware of the risks and proper handling procedures for lithium-ion batteries with regular training.