Safe Storage for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have become indispensable in our daily lives, powering everything from smartphones, electric
vehicles and power tools. You’ll find them in pretty much every industry. Yet few people realise they can be volatile and extremely dangerous if not stored and charged correctly.

Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) recorded 285 lithium-ion battery incidents in 2023 with 38 people injured in NSW alone. According to the Canberra Times, 63 lithium-ion battery fires have already been
recorded across Australia in 2024, averaging nearly six fires per week.

What are the risks of lithium-ion batteries?

One of the main risks is thermal runaway, where the battery’s internal temperature rises rapidly, leading to potential fires or explosions. This can be triggered by temperature changes in the surrounding environment, overcharging or undercharging, or physical damage or internal defects to the battery itself.

Extinguishing lithium fires is notoriously difficult because:

1. Lithium metal released during a fire reacts intensely with water and oxygen, so any moisture or water-based fire extinguishers will only exacerbate the problem.
2. Lithium fires reach extremely high temperatures, often above 1000°C (1832°F), which can cause traditional fire extinguishing agents to evaporate.
3. Lithium-ion fires can flare up again if they’re not fully cooled and isolated from oxygen

What's the solution?

For the welfare of workers, businesses have a duty of care to store and charge Li-ion batteries in a controlled environment. Spill Crew’s range of Australian made charging cabinets, are designed specifically to safely store and charge lithium batteries, and reduce the likelihood of a related fire.

A primary advantage of Spill Crew’s lithium battery charging cabinets is the dual fan system, designed to draw cool air in and expel hot air out. This helps regulate the temperature during the charging process.

In the event of a battery failure, the cabinet’s dual wall construction with a 40mm thermal barrier and self-closing doors, can help contain a fire spreading to surrounding workspaces.

Mike Carrigg, General Manager from Spill Crew explains, “By investing in a high-quality lithium-ion battery charging cabinet, workplaces can ensure their tools and equipment are protected and charge safely, whilst minimising the risk of accidents and downtime. These cabinets play a crucial role in maintaining a safe work environment.”

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