Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks: What UK Workplaces Must Do Now

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are now embedded in everyday working life. From e-bikes and e-scooters to tools, laptops, and energy storage systems, their use continues to grow across industries. Alongside these benefits is a rapidly increasing fire risk that many organisations are not fully prepared to manage.

Recent research and incident data show a sharp rise in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. For UK businesses, landlords, and facilities managers, this represents a critical and evolving risk that must be addressed through robust fire safety planning.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are Different

Lithium-ion battery fires behave very differently from conventional fires. They burn hotter, spread faster, and are far harder to extinguish. When a battery fails, it can enter thermal runaway, releasing flammable gases and causing sudden ignition or explosion.

Standard fire extinguishers may be ineffective or even dangerous if used incorrectly. Smoke from these fires is highly toxic, and re-ignition is common even after the initial fire appears to be out.

These characteristics make lithium-ion batteries a particularly serious concern in enclosed spaces, shared buildings, and premises with sleeping occupants.

Where the Risks Are Emerging

Workplaces increasingly allow staff to bring personal devices onto site. E-bikes and e-scooters are often charged in corridors, storerooms, or near escape routes. Tools and equipment are left charging overnight without supervision. Damaged batteries may continue to be used despite visible warning signs.

In residential and mixed-use buildings, the risk increases. Charging in communal areas or within flats creates a direct threat to compartmentation and escape routes, particularly where fire doors or detection systems are inadequate.

These risks are often overlooked in traditional fire risk assessments, which may not have been updated to reflect new ignition sources.

Legal Duties and Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must assess fire risks and take reasonable steps to reduce them. As lithium-ion batteries become more prevalent, failing to address their risks may be viewed as a serious omission.

Fire risk assessments must consider how batteries are stored, charged, maintained, and disposed of. This includes evaluating ignition sources, fuel load, fire spread, and the effectiveness of existing control measures.

Where battery risks are identified, duty holders are expected to act. Doing nothing is not an option.

Practical Risk Control Measures

Effective control begins with understanding how and where batteries are used. This may involve introducing designated charging areas, banning charging in certain locations, or implementing clear policies on personal devices.

Fire detection, suppression, and compartmentation must also be reviewed. Fire doors, in particular, play a crucial role in containing battery fires and protecting escape routes. Any faults in fire doors can dramatically increase the consequences of a battery failure.

Staff awareness is equally important. Employees should understand the risks, know how to recognise damaged batteries, and be clear on reporting procedures.

The Role of Training and Culture

Lithium-ion battery safety is not just a technical issue. It is a behavioural one. A strong fire safety culture encourages people to challenge unsafe practices, report concerns, and follow guidance consistently.

Training should be updated to reflect modern fire risks. Fire warden and fire awareness training should include lithium-ion battery scenarios so staff understand how these incidents differ from traditional fires.

How Ranmoor Health and Safety Can Support

Ranmoor Health and Safety provides specialist fire risk consultancy services to help organisations manage lithium-ion battery risks effectively. We review existing fire risk assessments, inspect fire doors and compartmentation, and advise on practical control measures tailored to your premises.

We also support landlords and housing providers in managing battery risks within residential buildings, helping to protect occupants while meeting legal duties.

A Risk That Cannot Be Ignored

Lithium-ion battery fires are no longer rare or hypothetical. They are a growing reality that requires immediate attention. Organisations that act now will reduce risk, demonstrate compliance, and protect lives.

If you are unsure whether your fire risk assessment adequately addresses lithium-ion batteries, now is the time to review it.

Ranmoor Health and Safety can help you take proactive, informed action before an incident occurs.