Lithium-ion batteries are found in a wide range of equipment at industrial sites, from forklift trucks and pallet stackers to handheld scanners and power tools, as well as vacuum cleaners and other battery-operated equipment. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries does have a number of challenges, not the least of which is the threat of an overheating or damaged battery causing a fire. One way to combat the risk is to use a Lithium Battery Storage Cabinet. The cabinet works best in conjunction with a company policy on the charging, storage and transportation of batteries.
There are a number of other steps a company can take to help address the risks associated with charging and storing lithium-ion batteries. A number of different assessments can help guide company policies. Among the assessments are risk assessments and fire risk assessments. A risk assessment involves analysing the lithium-ion batteries on site, including the type, number and location of the batteries. Who is responsible for the batteries is also taken into consideration. A change in equipment or a change in employee work patterns can also trigger a need to reassess battery charging and storage. Employees should also reference the instructions provided by the battery and charger manufacturers. Other tips may be available from your insurance company, your fire risk assessor or other consultants.
A charge can lead to many incidents down the line. Because of this, it needs to be examined closely. Use the charger that came with your equipment or the one suggested by the manufacturer. Don’t use a cheap, unbranded charger. Avoid charging in escape routes. Don’t charge near flammable materials. Make sure there is sufficient space around the charger so a fire would be easily noticed. If charging has to occur near equipment, a good place would be a well-ventilated, dedicated charging area. Charging equipment unattended in an area that is not monitored should also be examined. Ask yourself if your detection and alarm system is sufficient to protect against a fire in that area.
Storage also needs to be examined. Batteries awaiting use or disposal should be stored in a location away from heat, direct sunlight, and flammable stock. Terminals should not be in contact with metal. Use a storage cabinet to separate batteries. When looking for a storage cabinet, examine the product specification and check what fire resistance rating the cabinet was tested to. Confirm that it is suitable to protect against a fire involving the batteries being stored. A cabinet should not be considered a replacement for good housekeeping and it should not ensure that a fire will not occur.
There are situations where batteries require a special process outside normal procedures. If a battery has been crushed, punctured, swollen, dropped, or otherwise exposed to water, it should be removed from service and quarantined in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and your procedures. Batteries should not be charged and should not be left in the middle of a workshop or warehouse floor. Suspect batteries should be placed in an area designated for them, and all employees should know whom to notify about suspect batteries. Disposal of batteries should be done in accordance with the procedures of a licensed waste carrier and your waste contractor should be able to give you more information on what they will accept and how it should be packaged.
There are various aids to help customers and staff identify dangers, and to help them take the necessary action. These may include training, signage, toolbox talks, or basic checklists and they are especially useful when new staff are employed or the equipment changes.
It is important to take into account the particular behaviour of lithium-ion battery fires when developing an emergency plan. Lithium-ion battery fires can reignite and release toxic fumes, therefore, evacuation plans, fire warden duties and communication with the fire and rescue service should be taken into account. Discuss with your fire risk assessor about the appropriate extinguishing media and detection for your site as the right solution will depend on the batteries and the building. Staff should never be expected to put themselves at risk to protect equipment and stock.
In all cases, keep records. From simple registers of batteries and chargers, through inspection records, incident records and staff training records, a well documented system will help identify systemic issues such as a particular charger or vehicle that causes an issue. Regular review of the system and near misses should prompt an evaluation of the systems in place.
For businesses that charge and store lithium-ion batteries at scale, the aim is to reduce the chances of a catastrophic failure and to ensure staff are prepared if a failure does occur. Well trained and sensibly charged staff combined with good records and suitable storage will far exceed the benefits of any single product.