Lithium-ion battery risks addressed by UKWA and UKMHA guidance

The two trade bodies have worked in parallel to provide practical advice covering both smaller batteries and larger traction batteries used to power warehouse equipment.

The guidance was launched at the UK Warehousing Association Member Connect event in Felixstowe, where Clare Bottle (CEO of the UK Warehousing Association) and David Goss (technical director at the UK Material Handling Association) discussed key highlights for warehouse operators.

Batteries are vital for decarbonising the economy, whether through mobility (ie e-bikes and e-scooters) or machinery (ie forklifts, which traditionally ran on gas). However, while rare, there’s a risk that unmonitored batteries can go into thermal runaway, in turn realising a fire.

The new guidance covers recommendations including storing batteries in cool, dry conditions, limiting long-term storage and separating battery types. There are also pointers on how to monitor stock, prepare emergency plans and train members of staff.

Positive impact

Clare Bottle explained: “Developments in battery technology are having a huge and positive impact, making our lives more convenient, changing the way in which we move around and assisting with the transition away from fossil fuels. All of these batteries move through the supply chain before ending up in businesses or people’s homes. On that basis, it’s vital we make sure the storage and handling of them is right.”

Bottle continued: “With proper precautions in place, there’s no reason wny batteries cannot be stored safely. Many warehouses are doing so already. This guidance will help others come to terms with the issue and understand how they can manage the risks. It’s a market that will only grow, so it’s important the UK has a wide range of warehouse operators equipped with the right knowledge.”

David Goss responded: “Lithium-ion batteries have been transformative, not only for consumers, but also for powering the equipment that’s essential for today’s fast and efficient logistics sector. As is the case with any technology, sensible precautions are necessary to minimise the risk of an incident.”

Goss added: “While lithium-ion batteries have proven to be safe and reliable, effective risk management requires an understanding of the potential for hazards due to the release of stored energy or chemicals. Through this collaboration, the Warehousing Association and the Material Handling Association have developed complementary guidance addressing the storage of both industrial truck traction batteries and the smaller batteries in warehouse environments.”

*Both guidance documents are available to download at https://www.ukwa.org.uk/li-ion-storage-guidance/

Practical baseline

The guidance is intended as a practical baseline for operators and is not a legal standard. It should be used alongside existing fire and Health and Safety duties, manufacturer instructions, the site fire risk assessment and any applicable insurer requirements.

Where there’s a difference between the guidance and specific manufacturer instructions, the manufacturer’s instructions always take precedence.

As an organisation, the UK Warehousing Association is the dedicated Trade Association for the vital warehousing sector, representing over 1,000 member businesses who, taken together, operate around 400 million square feet of warehousing and distribution space across thousands of locations.

The UK Material Handling Association is the UK’s Trade Association for manufacturers and suppliers of industrial and warehouse trucks, as well as associated equipment and services. Warehousing contributes over £28 billion to the UK’s economy (Gross Value Added) and employs 760,000 people across this vital sector.