Safety
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The growing incidence of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has drawn the attention of the insurance industry.
people use good quality batteries from reputable retailers. Items such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras and other electronic devices are essential parts of modern living but we can all take precautionary steps to make sure we are charging, disposing and handling our devices correctly. “People should look out for problems with their batteries such as wear and tear, overheating and bulging, and dispose of damaged batteries properly. Old tech should be recycled properly and it is also important that every house has smoke alarms fitted.”
Sound advice Here’s advice on how to deal effectively with lithium-ion battery fires, issued by Insure City: • Do not use CO2, water or powder extinguishers: These are generally less effective because they may not fully extinguish the fire and one can be overwhelmed by the intense heat and ongoing chemical reactions. • Instead use specialised extinguishing agents comprising Class D extinguishers that contain dry powder designed to handle metal fires.
A wareness of the risks of lithium- ion batteries catching fire has been growing slowly but steadily. Advisories on best practice with installation, charging, maintenance and disposal are being published in electronic and print media on a regular basis. In Australia, the South Australia Government has launched a safety campaign after a ten-fold increase in lithium-ion battery fires in household items such as mobile phones and rechargeable toys and tools (see here ). Insurance industry The growing incidence of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has drawn the attention of the insurance industry. Various statements have been published in the last 18 months, providing valuable advice for property owners and users of battery- powered equipment. The attention comes
after damage to buildings and other assets totalling millions of rand. Among those that issued advisories are Allianz (a member of CIA) and several brokerages. An article published earlier this year quotes Allianz as saying that claims amounting to millions had been attributed to lithium battery fires. The insurer said leaking and damaged batteries and overcharged e-vehicles combusting at home were the cause of the fires. Homeowners were urged to be aware of how many batteries they had on site. Good quality batteries Caroline Johnson , Personal Lines Claims Director at Allianz, has been quoted as saying: “Fires caused by rechargeable lithium batteries can have devastating consequences, and it is important that
October 2025 | Issue 141 | Asset Magazine 279
278 Asset Magazine | Issue 141 | October 2025
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