The Fire Industry Association stated that since 2020, 190 people have been injured due to fires caused by Li-ion batteries and 10 have sadly lost their lives[1].
In this article, we are going to look at best practices for storing lithium-ion batteries.
Where should lithium-ion batteries be stored?
Lithium-ion batteries should ideally be stored:
- Externally in a non-combustible building or container
- At least 10 metres away from other buildings, structures, storage facilities or external pieces of equipment
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from flood risk
- At an ambient temperature below 30°C
- In an area with natural air circulation
- In a separate area to where batteries are charged.
If this is not possible, the batteries should be stored in compartments in areas of the building with a minimum of 120-minute fire rated construction. This compartment should be on an externally facing wall which is accessible from outside the building.
As Li-ion batteries can be expensive, you should ensure that suitable security measures are in place to reduce the risk of theft.
You should always consult with the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that you are following their instructions. If said instructions are briefer than the advice given in this guide, we recommend you comply with whichever is more stringent.
Top tip: Ensure the State of Charge (SOC) when storing is between 30-60% at which the batteries are relatively benign.
What additional measures can you implement:
To ensure that all lithium-ion batteries are stored safely, you could consider implementing some additional measures. These could include:
- Formal inspections – All incoming batteries, whether separate or built into a product, should be formally inspected to identify any damage or evidence of heating or swelling. This should also be included in risk assessments.
- Thermal imaging camera - You should consider installing permanent thermal imagining cameras.
- Fire detection – You should strongly consider installing smoke and gas detection systems in all rooms where lithium batteries are stored, charged or compartments.
- Sprinklers - There are currently no specific UK or European guidelines for fire protection of Li-ion batteries storage. However, practical guidance is available in the following FM Global documents:
- FM DS 3-26 Fire protection for non-storage occupancies (Section 3.3 Lithium-ion batteries), 2021
- FM DS 8.1 Commodity classification (Section 2.4.2 Lithium-ion batteries), 2021
- Training - Provide staff awareness training on the hazards of Li-ion batteries.
- Include battery storage arrangements within the Site Emergency Plan.
- Develop a safe working procedure to handle products when moving internally to avoid puncturing cartons and damaging batteries, or products containing batteries.
- Include details on how to remove and safely dispose of any Li-ion batteries from any defective returned goods.
- Incident planning - Develop pre and post incident plans in consultation with the local fire brigade.
What should you do if you find a lithium-ion battery which is damaged?
In the event of an emergency or if batteries are seen to be damaged, it is vital that procedures for the safe removal are in place. This will vary depending on the nature of the storage area and the site.
Defective or damaged Li-ion batteries or products containing Li-ion batteries that are awaiting removal from a site should be packed in compliance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations, ready for safe shipping.
When shipping, you should use a strong and leak-proof outer packaging constructed of a suitable material, and of adequate strength in relation to the packaging’s capacity and its intended use. Internally, you should pack the battery safely within a non-conductive and non-combustible cushioning material (typically vermiculite).
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Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.
