Experts call for improved fire safety protocols at battery recycling centres

In a worrying trend, Scotland has witnessed two major fires at battery recycling centres within the space of three months, with a further blaze in a battery recycling facility in Halifax highlighting the growing risks associated with the handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries.

These incidents, which required a multi-agency response in two cases over a number of days, highlight the complex and protracted nature of waste fires and the additional risks and challenges posed in extinguishing them.

A fire at the Enva WEEE Solutions plant in Linwood on 23 June required a huge response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service with ten appliances, 90 firefighters and specialist equipment needed to tackle the blaze. This episode followed a similar fire at the Fenix Battery Recycling Plant in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire on 8 April. Both incidents occurred near residential areas.

These larger events were followed by the incident on Stainland Road near Halifax on 15 July, which saw another battery recycling plant fire. On this occasion, six appliances from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were required to contain the blaze.

In each case, police and other agencies advised nearby residents to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure due to toxic and hazardous fumes. In the case of the fires in Scotland, Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency adopted several measures designed to minimise the impact of pollution on the local environment.

Waste batteries

The increasing use of batteries in everyday devices has led to a rise in battery waste, in turn creating new challenges for recycling facilities. The risk of thermal runaway in damaged or improperly handled lithium-ion batteries can ignite other combustibles and lead to rapid fire spread, which renders early intervention crucial.

While sprinkler systems cannot extinguish a battery in thermal runaway, they can play a vital role in containing the spread of fire. It’s important to note that sprinklers can cool the surrounding area and limit fire spread until further measures can be taken by the Fire and Rescue Service on arrival.

These incidents have led to discussions about the adequacy of current fire safety measures in recycling plants. Now, fire safety experts are calling for improved safety protocols and the implementation of advanced fire suppression systems to mitigate the risks associated with battery recycling.

A report produced by the Environmental Services Association found that lithium-ion batteries were responsible for around 48% (ie circa 200) of all waste fires occurring in the UK each year.

The waste and recycling sector continues to be typified by large fire incidents, the extensive resources required for containment and the generation of high volumes of smoke and contaminants. Further, fire water run-off requires monitoring by the relevant agency. There’s also the environmental impact of disposing of the damaged properties and the costs, resources and materials required to repair and rebuild them.

Combination of strategies

Preventing large and costly fires is possible through a combination of strategies. One of the most effective strategies to contain such incidents is the use of automatic sprinkler systems. Such systems can minimise the wider impact of fires, reducing costs to business and the economy as a whole.

Importantly, by limiting any fire damage, sprinklers allow businesses to resume operations quickly, often within hours of the incident. This effectiveness was demonstrated by a fire at a Biffa waste site in Irlam back in January 2021 where fire sprinklers fitted at the site duly activated, quickly extinguishing the fire and minimising the damage and disruption caused as a result of the incident.

*Further information concerning the Business Sprinkler Alliance is available online at www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org