News Article

Lithium-ion Battery Safety

The safety of the Lithium-ion batteries, on which electric vehicles (EV) run, is becoming a major concern to many businesses as the number of fires has risen.

And a lithium ion battery blaze is like a blowtorch, quickly igniting anything in its path. It is virtually impossible to put out and can start again hours, days or weeks later! Attempting to suffocate the fire is not effective as, being a chemical blaze, it doesn't require oxygen to burn. 

Right now, there is a lot of research into lithium ion battery safety but currently we are at the bottom of a steep learning curve meaning there isn’t enough data to identify how much of a problem this may become in the future.

However, as a business owner you should carefully consider the best place to install charging points. Failing to do so could result in requests from your insurer for the charge points to be relocated at your expense.

Clear standards are needed around the siting of charge points in general but in the meantime, before installing an EV charging point you should take appropriate steps to minimise the risks.

• Notify your insurers/broker that you intend to install charging points and undertake a fire risk assessment.
• Where possible, locate charging points externally and not under canopies or inside other enclosed areas of your building.
• Avoid installing a charge point within 10 metres of any combustible materials or within 15 metres of hazardous installations.
• Make sure your nominated charging area provides suitable space for vehicles to park and connect safely.
• Ensure your electrical supply at the point of installation is sufficient and is dedicated solely for the use of the chargers.
• Provide your staff with adequate training covering the safe use of the chargers.

It’s also worth mentioning here that the storage and charging of electric bikes on your business premises should ideally be in a secure detached single storey structure.

 

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