Scrap metal and lmtechnology-asset disposal specialists may have to conform to new international fire regulations soon. Because draft fire code adaptions by the International Code Council aim to enforce new lithium-ion battery storage standards. Therefore we are curious to know whether battery manufacturers, consumers, or recycling will bear the added costs.
Overview of Fire Code Adaptions by the International Code Council
The International Code Council develops model codes and standards for other authorities to implement. Their objective is providing minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. Fifty U.S. States and the District of Columbia have adopted their I-Codes at state or jurisdictional level.
However, the proposed standards for lithium-ion battery handling have raised hackles in the recycling industry according to E-Scrap News. This is because “the biggest concern has to do with the storage requirements,” a leading mobile phone re-processor says. Since the draft fire code adaptions “limit the facilities where used or off-specification lithium-ion batteries can be stored.”
What the New Fire Code Holds in Store
The proposals are still in draft form. However, their clear intention is to “keep used batteries separate from other materials in an effort to prevent fires.” The guidelines exclude batteries holding less than 30% charge. just how one tests a battery in a pile of scrap is open to interpretation.
“You can imagine if you’re storing batteries for upgrades and every time you need one you have to walk to a separate room and bring it back over.” Craig Boswell, president of a mobile-device-focused processor told E-Scrap News. “It would be counterproductive to lean manufacturing.”
“But more and more people are realizing, it’s not because I’m doing something wrong, but the nature of processing certain types of materials in this space. In any volume, it’s almost impossible to prevent them 100 percent.” This has a question for lithium-ion battery manufacturers. What are you going to do about this risk to human lives and property?
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Preview Image: Fire at Battery Recycling Plant
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