Prof Paul Christensen is Senior Advisor to United Kingdom National Fire Chiefs Council. He also serves on a number of UK Government, and British Standards Institute governance and working groups. Landlord Zone discussed battery fire risks in communal buildings with Christensen. Their interview highlights the need for better user education.
Lithium Battery Fire Risks Are Small But Everywhere
Lithium-ion batteries that we find everywhere in devices, have a statistically-low risk of emitting toxic gases, and exploding into flames. Few users are aware of the potential danger, when these batteries begin overheating.
However, that’s not where these lithium-ion battery fire risks end. Lithium batteries can enter an almost unstoppable phase, where thermal runway causes loud explosions, and battery-cases burst open and flames shoot out.
Those fires are actually chemical reactions generating oxygen, and are very difficult to put out according to Fire Protection Association. This is why attempting to extinguish them with water is seldom successful.
Lithium-ion battery fires are also persistent. An extinguished battery fire can erupt several times as chemical reactions continue. Deaths have occurred after battery fires broke out on escape routes. Hence the urgent need to educate users.
What Should We Do About This Situation Now?
Our governments should pass additional laws to close administrative gaps, and they should do this as soon as possible. Meanwhile communal building managers have a duty to take action under occupational health and safety rules.
Accountable persons should inspect communal spaces, passages and staircases regularly but at random, and insist residents follow safe practices.
Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to educate the public about lithium-ion battery fire risks, and how to prevent them. Those designing and upgrading buildings must introduce passive safety measures, including scooter and e-bike storage separate from living space.
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