The number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries increased by 46% in 2023. Lithium batteries are common and most of us will own something with one in, from a mobile phone to a mobility scooter. Over recent years lithium batteries have become even more common, as vapes, e-bikes and e-scooters grow in popularity.
Millions of people use the batteries safely every day, but if they overheat, are damaged or overcharged, then they can pose a fire risk. Here are some safety tips that different fire services recommend for products containing lithium batteries.
Charging
- Only charge batteries when you’re awake and around to keep an eye on them.
- Don’t overcharge the battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for how long it should take to charge and unplug it after the recommended time.
- Never cover the charger or battery pack while charging as this could cause overheating.
- Only use the charger that came with your device. If you’re buying a replacement always buy electrical products from reputable retailers and manufacturers, as fake products can pose a higher fire risk.
- Regularly check the battery and cable for any signs of damage and don’t use the product if it’s not still in good condition.
Storing
- Store the item in a cool place. It’s recommended to avoid storing lithium batteries in an excessively hot or cold place.
- Don't store products containing lithium batteries - especially large items such as a mobility scooter - along the route you would take to escape from your home in an emergency. This includes communal areas in the building you live it. It's part of your tenancy that you mustn't leave or store anything in communal areas - you need to make sure at all times that you and others can safely escape if there is a fire.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and maintaining batteries.
We also recommend registering your electrical goods (all goods, not just those with a lithium battery) with the manufacturer so that you will get alerts if they’re ever recalled for safety reasons. Registering is quick and easy to do, and it means you’re protected from using a faulty or dangerous product. Whether it’s a phone charger or a tumble dryer, it could still pose a risk to your home, so it’s worth taking the time to do. A good starting point is the Electrical Safety First website, which signposts you to the right place to register your goods.
We have more information about health and safety in your home on our website here.
If you own a mobility scooter, powered wheelchair, e-bike or e-scooter and are a Futures customer, we’d like you to please get in touch. We’re currently reviewing fire safety procedures and it would help us to make sure you’re keeping safe in your home. Find out all the different ways you can contact us here.
