Are You Charging & Storing Lithium Batteries Safely? -

Nov 05, 2024

The word from Aviva who offer some useful advice on lithium battery storage – and charging them safely. Here are the details;

Aviva is urging businesses to take steps to manage the risks that lithium-ion batteries can present, as recent survey data shows that 95% of businesses consider them important for their daily operations, with one third (33%) of respondents deeming them essential or critical. However, in many instances, businesses aren’t following basic guidance to handle, store, charge and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, with 45% not doing regular inspections for damage, 45% of respondents not using genuine compatible chargers and 46% admitting to allowing overcharging.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in rechargeable devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters. They are used in a wide range of commercial contexts, for example, the use of portable tools on construction sites, battery-powered vehicles such as forklifts in warehouses, and fleets transitioning to electric vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries contain a mixture of chemicals that can present an increased risk of fire, typically due to incurred damage, manufacturing faults, user modifications or charging issues. This can lead to an increase in temperature, known as thermal runaway, and then fire – which can be extremely volatile and difficult to extinguish.

Despite the importance of these devices to keep businesses running, more than 1 in 10 (12%) organisations surveyed reported having no specific measures in place to handle and store lithium-ion batteries safely. Just over half have implemented measures, including regular inspections for damage (55%), proper storage in cool, dry places (53%) and employee training on safe handling (51%). Just over a third (35%) of respondents have emergency response plans in place.

Many of the hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries occur while charging. Around half of respondents use genuine compatible chargers (55%) and avoid overcharging (54%). Meanwhile, 46% regularly maintain charging equipment and 42% ensure well-ventilated charging areas. 38% charge on non-flammable surfaces.

Because of their potential for starting a fire, lithium-ion batteries should not be disposed of in ordinary waste bins or recycled with other types of batteries. When disposing of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries, 52% of respondents follow manufacturer guidelines, 44% use certified recycling facilities and 35% use internal disposal protocols. This suggests that many businesses are putting themselves at risk.

Training is an important part of ensuring safe practices, but just 35% of respondents reported regular training on the safe use and handling of lithium-ion batteries, with a further 35% providing occasional training. A worrying 15% don’t offer any training and of these, 10% have no plans to train staff in the future.

Chris Andrews, Director of Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), said: “Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be a more environmentally friendly option than conventional ones and it’s great to see that businesses clearly recognise the important role they play in day-to-day operations. However, this new technology doesn’t come without risks. As businesses continue to rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries, ensuring proper handling, storage, charging and disposal practices will be essential to maintaining safety and operational efficiency.”

Aviva has published new risk management guidance on lithium-ion batteries, which is available here: Risk Management Guides | Aviva Risk Management Solutions – Aviva Risk Management Solutions

There are several precautions that businesses can take to reduce the risk of damage occurring in the first place. Aviva encourages businesses to consider: