A WARNING to keep an eye on electrical goods with lithium-ion batteries has been issued – because they can catch fire suddenly.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is issuing fire safety guidance this month in a bid to keep households safe.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in electrical goods such as laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes and vapes. The fire brigade says that batteries can cause sudden and ferocious fires if misused or damaged.
Gail Muirhead, RBDRS’ prevention manager, said that while the products are generally safe, sometimes they can go wrong.
“Misusing electrical goods, even those as commonplace as mobile phones and vapes, can have fatal consequences,” she said.
“If you’re thinking of buying a new electronic device ahead of the festive season, make sure you purchase them from a reputable retailer.
“Similarly, only use approved chargers for your electronic goods. Charging batteries overnight, or overcharging them, can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.”
This has happened with some personal transport devices and last year there were two serious fires caused by such batteries.
The danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells, blocking emergency escape routes in multi-occupied buildings. The risk increases particularly when they are charged indoors, especially overnight when occupants are asleep.
“E-scooters and e-bikes can be particularly dangerous, especially when charging them indoors,” Ms Muirhead continued.
“A devastating failure of a battery and charging equipment may occur if left to overheat, often with very little prior warning. This can lead to an unusually intense fire that gives off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke.”
RBFRS advises:
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert and do not charge them if you are away from home
- Do not overcharge your batteries. Check the instructions for charge times
- Always use the manufacturer approved chargers for your electronic items and carefully follow the instructions provided
- Purchase electrical goods from reputable retailers
- Unplug the chargers when you have finished using them
- Check your batteries regularly for any signs of damage
- Avoid charging items near combustible or flammable materials
- If possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors
- If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling
- Ensure your smoke alarms are working
- In the event of a fire involving a lithium-ion battery, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999.
For further electrical fire safety information, visit the RBFRS website, https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/
