In the first of a three-part mini podcast series with both SHP and IFSEC Insider, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global, Matt Humby talks about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries with SHP Editor, Mark Glover.
Matt has over 22 years experience in the fire safety industry, and now provides advice and solutions to help mitigate the fire risk with fire safety products for both commercial and residential building projects.
Lithium-ion use in rechargeable batteries is common among laptops, mobile phones and electric vehicles and is seen as a key component as the world eyes a green energy transition from fossil fuels.
However, despite the batteries’ obvious advantages, a lack of awareness exists around their fire risks. A survey of over 500 UK organisations revealed that only 85% have risk assessments for lithium-ion batteries on-site; a statistic that concerns Humby, who says building awareness is a goal of the podcasts. There has also been a steady rise in lithium-ion battery fires as the number of devices containing them increases.
The first episode discusses the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, while the next will cover regulation and standards, and in the final episode we’ll cover action plans organisations can take to reduce, prevent and mitigate the fire risk.
Tune in below!
