Lithium-ion-batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are a major cause of fires across Western Australia, with firefighters responding to more than three lithium-ion battery related incidents a week.

Find out how to identify these batteries, understand the risks and be prepared in the event of an incident.

Types of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are in a wide range of household and recreational products including e-scooters, e-bikes, power banks, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, cordless vacuums, cameras and even kids’ toys.

Easy Read Lithium Ion Batteries (Easy English)

Download Easy Read Lithium Ion Batteries.

Identifying lithium-ion batteries

The batteries can be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or pouch/device specific. They can be difficult to identify as there is currently no requirement or standard for labelling.

If the battery is rechargeable and has ‘Li’ or ‘Lithium’ printed on it, you can safely assume that it is a lithium-ion battery. Common printings include:

lithium ion
Li-ion
Li-po
Lithium-polymer
or other variations of ‘Li’.

Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire?

Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous as they are energy-dense and contain material that is highly flammable. They can start fires, explode, get very hot and cause chemical and electrical hazards.

There are several situations that can lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including:

overcharging or use of non-compliant charging equipment
overheating or exposure to heat or extreme temperatures
user damage (e.g. dropping, crushing, piercing or vibrations)
short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults
defects or contamination introduced during manufacture.

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can undergo thermal runaway, which can be violent bursting of one or multiple battery cells, hissing and release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases and an intense, self-sustaining fire. It’s crucial to stay away and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Non rechargeable (disposable) lithium batteries, also known as lithium metal batteries, must be handled with care. These batteries are not designed to be recharged and attempting to do so can result in failure or fire.

Instead, they should be taken to an approved battery collection point, such as those provided under Australia’s B cycle battery recycling scheme where they can be safely recycled.

In the event of a fire involving these batteries, occupants should evacuate the room immediately, close the door to contain the fire, call 000 and wait outside for emergency services.

Preventing lithium-ion battery fires

To prevent an incident involving lithium-ion batteries, only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.

Damaged lithium-ion batteries or devices

Batteries that show any signs of damage should be disposed of carefully as they can become involved in a fire.

Damaged batteries and battery-powered devices include those that:

have been involved in or exposed to fire
are overheated and may have emitted vapours or smoke
are swollen, bulging, leaking, cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed
have been exposed to, or submerged in, water or other liquid.

IMPORTANT: Never place batteries in your regular waste or recycling bins. Fires are known to occur in garbage trucks and waste facilities due to improper battery disposal.

Some batteries may also contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals and other environmental pollutants that can contaminate water supplies and ecosystems when incorrectly disposed of.

Visit Recycle Mate or B-Cycle to find your free local recycling point.

Batteries or devices that are smoking or on fire

Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can happen very quickly and be very dangerous. It may cause toxic smoke, flames and battery pieces to explode.

Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and chemicals can cause severe burns.

Act immediately if you notice any of the following:

pungent odours
discolouration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing
leaking chemicals
heating up and feeling extremely hot to touch
abnormal popping, hissing or crackling sounds
smoke and/or fumes.

E-rideables

Electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), electric mobility (e-mobility) scooters, and self-balancing scooters (hoverboards), also known as e-rideables, micromobility devices or light electric vehicles (LEV) often contain lithium-ion batteries and have become a leading fire hazard.

To prevent an incident involving lithium-ion batteries, only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers. Be cautious about buying second-hand e-rideables, that may unknowingly be damaged or nearing end-of-life. This also applies to older e-rideables that are commonly passed down to kids.

Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are increasingly being used in combination with solar panel systems. This technology commonly contains lithium-ion batteries.

Damaged Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

A residential BESS that has been damaged by impact, fire, or water ingress must not be put back into operation, even if it appears to be operational. Always assume that the equipment is energised.

If it is safe to do so:

Follow any shutdown procedures displayed. This may be on or near the switchboard or adjacent to the BESS.
If the shutdown procedure cannot be found, identify the main power switch for the BESS and switch to OFF.

Contact the manufacturer and/or an authorised technician to inspect, disconnect and remove the equipment if it has been compromised.

Damaged BESS should be moved to a well-ventilated area outside. Store at least three metres from any structures and/or combustible materials, then seek the manufacturer’s advice on disposal.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles (EVs) commonly contain lithium-ion batteries. Follow the below advice to minimise your risk.

We extend our appreciation to NSW Fire and Rescue, Western Power and Solar Quotes for their valuable assistance in providing us with information and images.