CROSS issues Topic Paper on ‘Fire Safety Concerns with Lithium-ion Batteries’

This Topic Paper highlights the fire and explosion hazards associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries within the built environment. It draws on publicly available guidance and research, as well as confidential reporting experience from the UK concerning both battery-powered devices and Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The content is aimed squarely at owners and occupiers of facilities where lithium-ion battery technology may be prevalent or planned. It’s also relevant for local authorities, Building Control bodies, developers, building surveyors, architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, facilities managers, maintenance organisations and members of the Fire and Rescue Services.

Significant fire hazards

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various devices and applications, such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles. They offer many advantages, of course, such as high energy density, long lifespan and perceived environmental friendliness, which is why their traction continues to be substantial.

However, lithium-ion batteries also pose significant fire hazards in the built environment that all stakeholders need to be aware of and prepared for going forward. In the main, this due to a phenomenon named ‘thermal runaway’. This self-sustaining reaction within lithium-ion batteries can lead to large-scale fires or explosions and is triggered by factors including short circuiting, overcharging and overheating.

‘Thermal runaway’ episodes are challenging to control as they produce flammable and toxic vapours. Batteries can reignite due to residual heat and react violently with common extinguishing agents.

By understanding the risks and implementing appropriate safety measures, the likelihood and impact of such fires and explosions can be reduced, subsequently improving both the safety of individuals and the environment.

Safety measures

It’s vital to adopt appropriate measures designed to prevent and mitigate lithium-ion battery fires. Some of these measures include:

*Using a battery management system that monitors and regulates the voltage, current and temperature of the battery cells and prevents overcharging or over-discharging

*Installing fire detection and suppression systems that can quickly identify and isolate the affected battery cells and apply suitable extinguishing agents

*Implementing safe storage and disposal practices that avoid stacking or crushing the batteries and separates them from other flammable materials (this is particularly relevant for batteries in handheld devices)

*Providing adequate ventilation and fire barriers that prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours and limit the spread of fire to other areas

*Conducting regular inspection and maintenance of the batteries and their associated equipment to detect any signs of damage or deterioration

*Following robust emergency procedures that ensure the safety of personnel and property in the event of a fire incident

Updated knowledge

The CROSS Topic Paper references the CROSS Safety Report 1058, which describes the ‘thermal runaway’ phenomenon in detail, as well as CROSS Safety Report 1166 focused on Battery Energy Storage System concerns.

CROSS asserts that it’s “critically important” for those with responsibilities for designing, constructing and managing aspects of the built environment to keep their knowledge of this evolving technology updated at all times.

The CROSS scheme allows professionals to report precursor events, near-misses and safety issues confidentially. CROSS welcomes reports about structural safety and fire safety. These may relate to concerns at any stage of a structure’s life, from design all the way through to construction and occupation and on again to ‘end of life’.

*Read the CROSS Topic Paper ‘Fire Safety Concerns with Lithium-ion Batteries’ in full online