Hannah Eales and Kathryn Sheridan at Kingsley Napley look at the potential of regulation for lithium-ion batteries.
In our previous article – Lithium-ion batteries and the risks they pose to construction sites– we discussed the common pitfalls presented by these batteries when over-used, damaged or over-charged, as well as our practical tips in relation to fire safety when storing such items at home or on construction sites.
The spotlight on the risks presented by these batteries recently returned to the headlines, with eBay announcing sales restrictions on e-bikes and batteries. As of 31 October 2024, only “eligible business sellers” will be allowed to list them for sale in the UK.
The change in policy is centred around prioritising consumer safety in an attempt to reduce the risk of substandard or damaged lithium-ion batteries from entering people’s homes and causing fires. The change in policy comes amid pressure on retailers to regulate the sale of such batteries – particularly following the London Fire Brigade (LFB) declaring e-Bikes and e-Scooters as the “capital’s fastest growing fire risk”.
According to the LFB, there was a 78% increase in e-bike fires in 2023 versus 2022, with 155 e-bike fires and 28 e-scooter fires recorded last year. The LFB has issued a public announcement requesting that e-bike users check their batteries after they were officially classed as “dangerous” products by the UK’s regulatory body.
Notwithstanding the increased communications around the dangers posed by these batteries when over-used, damaged or over-charged, they continue to pose a risk to members of the public.
Last month, a fire caused by a failing lithium battery resulted in 30 people being evacuated from a residential tower-block in East London and just last week Labour MP Alistair Strathern called for a “national conversation” on lithium battery fires after a large blaze at a waste recycling site in Hertfordshire. Whilst the cause of that fire is yet to be established, Strathern said there needed to be an “urgent review” of lithium batteries following the fifth industrial estate fire in the last year.
So, what can be done about it?
Certainly, eBay’s decision to impose sales restrictions is welcome but this was a voluntary step. eBay is one of many online platforms and third-party sellers are still able to use other online market places to sell second hand or unbranded chargers for these batteries which can result in over-heating and pose a serious risk of fire. There are also the disposal challenges to be considered.
Whilst efforts have been made to promote consumer awareness regarding safe use and disposal, given the frequency of fires caused by these products, evidently more needs to be done by way of education, as well as consideration into the legal consequences of converting or modifying e-Bikes and e-Scooters.
Regulation is only a matter of time. The new Labour government has committed to the introduction of a Product Safety and Metrology Bill which it said would enable the UK to “address challenges” caused by technological developments, including the risk of fire “associated by e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries”.
The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill (the Bill) is currently being considered in the House of Lords at Committee stage and seeks to protect the public by providing regulations relating to the safe storage, sale, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. The Bill proposes to impose obligations on sellers, online sales platforms (or marketplaces), manufacturers and local planning authorities. The Bill can be accessed here.
The Bill in its current form is a welcome first step but it’s essential the Government gets this right first time. With the increased use of electricity replacing oil and gas, so too will the demand for batteries of these types.
So will the Liebor party actually put restrictions on EV batteries – that appear to be the most harmful? So much for ethical policies…
Unfortunately it has been a city thing. Consequently not much attention has been paid. However, it is a real and present danger. One which Safety Professionals should act on. Lithium appears to be an unstable element when used in e bikes etc.. But of course vested interest will try and control the debate. Cars are self combusting all over the country! Yet the press appears to be controlled by the lithium trade. The move away from internal combustion appears to have many false gods and the environmental legacy is as yet unknown. As H&S professionals we should be aware of… Read more »
https://hampshirebiznews.co.uk/news/uk-first-as-three-firms-join-forces-for-the-launch-of-game-changing-battery-fire-technology-pilot/
Details an
innovative trial, being undertaken in Hampshire, to improve risks associated
with disposal of li-ion batteries/mobile phones/ laptops etc.