Safety
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The regular inspections and maintenance of battery systems should be undertaken to prevent faults and reduce fire risks.
Turning to preventive measures and maintenance Insure City says regular inspections and maintenance of battery systems should be undertaken to prevent faults and reduce fire risks. Best practices for battery storage, charging and maintenance should be followed to minimise the risk of fire. Right now, you’re probably reading this article on a battery-powered device, a product that’s incredibly easy to use no matter where you are. And that laptop, tablet or smart phone is probably one of many battery-powered devices in your home and workplace. Some are in daily use while older models are tucked away in a cupboard or storeroom, waiting to be disposed of at a convenient time.
• Look for extinguishers specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries, which are equipped with agents that can deal with them. • Implement cooling and containment measures if feasible, to isolate the affected battery and ensure that the area is secured to prevent the spread of the fire. • Prioritise safety and ventilation by ensuring that all personnel involved wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection and heat-resistant clothing. Improve ventilation in affected areas to disperse toxic gases and reduce exposure risks. • Coordinate with Emergency Services as they have the training and equipment necessary to handle complex fires involving lithium-ion batteries.
Huge smartphone ownership
If we accept unofficial ownership figures of mobile and smartphones, we arrive at a figure of more than 70% of the world’s population of 8.2 billion having access to a cellphone, and more than half the world’s population owning a smartphone. Bankmycell puts the number of smart- phone users in the world last year at 4.88 billion. Batteries that power cellphones and smart- phones rarely catch fire,
which is good news for users. Such fires are usually caused by using aftermarket chargers not suitable for a specific phone, damage to the battery itself, or overheating. PV system batteries There have been few reports of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries commonly used in solar panel (PV) systems, unlike the relatively extensive publicity given to the
October 2025 | Issue 141 | Asset Magazine 281
280 Asset Magazine | Issue 141 | October 2025
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