Lithium-ion batteries are now found in many everyday devices used in schools, including laptops, tablets, e-bikes, e-scooters, mobile phones, and even some science equipment. While these batteries are efficient and convenient, they present significant fire risks if not handled and disposed of correctly.
Why Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Dangerous?
- Fire Risk: Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if they are damaged, overcharged, overheated, or used with incompatible chargers. Fires can start suddenly and spread rapidly, sometimes with violent explosions and projectiles.
- Thermal Runaway: A fault in one cell can cause a chain reaction, leading to intense, hard-to-control fires that may burn for hours or even days. These fires are different from typical fires involving wood or plastic and are much harder to extinguish.
- Toxic Chemicals: Failing batteries can release hazardous chemicals, including hydrogen fluoride, which forms hydrofluoric acid when it contacts moisture. This can pose serious health risks to anyone nearby.
- Re-ignition Risk: Even after a fire appears to be extinguished, compromised cells can reignite unexpectedly.
Recent Incidents and Trends
- The number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries is rising sharply, with hundreds of incidents reported in the UK in the last year alone. E-bikes and e scooters are a particular concern, but fires have also occurred in laptops, mobile phones, and other devices.
- Improper disposal of devices containing lithium-ion batteries has led to fires in waste bins, lorries, and recycling centres.
Key Safety Advice for Schools
Storage and Charging
- Store devices with lithium-ion batteries in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Only use chargers supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not charge devices overnight or leave them unattended while charging.
- Avoid charging in communal areas, corridors, or escape routes.
Inspection and Handling
- Regularly inspect batteries and devices for signs of damage, swelling, or leakage.
- Remove any device showing signs of battery failure from use immediately.
- Never attempt to repair or puncture a lithium-ion battery.
Disposal
- Dispose of lithium-ion batteries and devices at designated recycling points – never in general waste bins.
- Follow Somerset Council’s guidance on electrical waste disposal.
Emergency Response
- Ensure staff are aware of the fire risks and know how to respond to a battery fire.
- Evacuate the area immediately and call the fire brigade.
Procurement
- Purchase devices and batteries from reputable suppliers.
- Avoid buying batteries or chargers from online marketplaces unless they meet UK safety standards.
Learn more:
BSI Lithium-ion Fire Suppression: Portable fire extinguishers
Charging lithium-ion devices, tablets, and laptops
Batteries don’t belong in bins!
