Storage of lithium batteries
The list of fires caused by charging lithium-ion batteries is getting steadily longer and longer. Li-Ion batteries may ignite fires if they undergo thermal runaway.This is caused by e.g. internal short circuits and is considered a special hazard with a high fire risk due to the large amount of energy stored in the cells.
It is therefore important to store and charge lithium batteries safely in fireproof cabinets of containers, specially designed for lithium batteries.
Where can we find lithium batteries?
- Bicycle parking for electric bikes or bike rental companies
- Electric cars
- Drones
- Hand tools such as drills, screwdriver...
- Laptops, Gsm's, powerbanks, scooters, koptelefoons, tandenborstels...
- Energy storage from solar panels
- Green services are transitioning to battery-powered machinery over fossil fuels.
- An average household has 125 batteries in the home, increasingly these are li-ion batteries
Need more info on correctly storing lithium batteries?
Contact Laurent Lefebvre
Product Advisor België + Preventieadviseur NV2
the dangers of lithium batteries
The main risks are overpressure, explosion, fire and, in case of explosion, the generation of the toxic gas hydrogen fluoride.
Mechanical damage, electrical faults or excessive heating can lead to electrolyte leakage, which in turn can cause fire or explosion. In the process, combustion residues can react violently and be highly toxic. Depending on the electrolyte, even the formation of highly dangerous acid is possible.
Because a li-ion battery causes a ‘metal fire’, the fire cannot be extinguished by traditional means. CGK Group has a complete range of fire safety cabinets and safes that offer very high security in storage and charging operations with these types of batteries. The applied uniquely certified extinguishing system activates swiftly, is safe for humans and the environment, and minimizes subsequent damage.
Extinguishing burning lithium batteries in electric cars can only be done by using a container in which the burning vehicle is immersed in water for 48 to 72 hours. In an underground or covered car park, however, it is very difficult and often impossible for the fire brigade to reach the burning vehicle in this way because of the limited height and width of car parks. Our mobile fire barriers are the solution here.
Legislation in Belgium
No legislation yet exists in Belgium around the storage of lithium batteries. There are only advisories.
Possible solutions based on existing legislation could include:
- Storage in fire-resistant cabinets (minimum F60);
- Storage in fireproof safe/container (minimum F60);
- Charging and storing the batteries in a separate cupboard (compartmentalisation);
- Installation of fire detection and fire alarms;
- Install a fire suppression system that prevents re-ignition;
- Create an evacuation and escape plan;
- Present and discuss risks with the fire brigade.
Based on the latest findings, lithium batteries should at least be stored and/or charged in an insulated, fireproof facility equipped with:
- min. 60 minuten brandwerend (van binnen naar buiten);
- pressure relief hatch with special li-ion particle filter;
- climate control (also for quality reasons!);
- aerosol extinguishing system;
- fire alarm;
- reinforced exhaust ventilation during charging operations.
Storage of broken and defective lithium batteries
Store broken or defective lithium batteries in a sealed steel crate or take them quickly to collection points.
For example:
- Box fitted with hinged lid;
- Between the inner and outer sheet are grains that limit the temperature of the outer sheet;
- The lid is not 100% airtight, excess pressure can escape;
- It is best that it is outside 10m from the buildings;
- The cabinet prevents burning li-ion particles from flying around;
- The dangerous fumes are released, however.
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