Understanding and Managing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
by Strata Community Insurance | March 11, 2025 | Strata News
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in our homes, powering everything from phones and laptops to e-scooters and power tools. While convenient, they are also one of the fastest growing fire risks in the country, resulting in several claims submitted recently for fires where the cause is identified as initiating in a lithium-ion battery device.
Understanding the Risks:
Lithium-ion batteries store significant energy in a compact space. If they malfunction, they can release harmful fumes, explode, or ignite. Strata Community Insurance highlights the importance of managing these risks, especially in densely populated areas like strata communities.
It’s important for everyone living in a strata community to understand the hazards and be aware of the risks. You can help by ensuring that charging is done safely and your equipment is in good condition and being used as designed.
Here’s how to stay safe:
Purchasing and Using Devices:
- Purchase products from reputable suppliers and check second-hand items thoroughly.
- Only use approved chargers and cords supplied with your device and ones that meet Australian Standards.
- Never modify or tamper with batteries or the devices they power.
Safe Charging:
- Charge your batteries and devices on hard surfaces. Never charge them on beds, blankets or carpets.
- Never leave devices on charge when you go to sleep or go out of the residence.
- Do not charge a battery that shows sign of damage.
- Do not charge batteries while they are hot or have been kept in the sun or a hot car. Avoid places where they may get hot or wet.
- Don’t charge a device in potential escape routes like a hallway, corridor or doorway, which could trap you and others in a fire.
Maintain Safety – Warning Signs and Disposal:
- Stop using any product that shows signs of overheating, bulging, leaking, or strange noises.
- In case of smoke, flames, or fumes, evacuate immediately and call 000.
- Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in regular bins or recycling collection bins. Many battery-related fires originate from household bins, rubbish chutes and waste deposit areas.
By following these tips, we can all contribute to safer use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries and significantly reduce the potential for property damage or personal injury from toxic fumes or explosions and ensure the safety of yourself and your strata community.
The following links to your state fire service may provide more information.
The ACT Emergency Service Agency
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (WA)
For more information on strata insurance, property maintenance, and other resources, visit the Strata Toolkit by Strata Community Insurance.