Lithium-ion Risk Management Guidance

Lithium-ion batteries are used to power a wide variety of power tools, vehicles and equipment in the workplace. This guidance outlines 15 tips to help manage battery-powered equipment, helping to reduce the risks of fire and other loss or damage. 

Whilst generally considered safe, the risk of fire in connection with electric vehicle charging can increase when systems are poorly installed, maintained and managed. Our guidance provides 12 tips for external charging stations and the associated infrastructure.

Battery-powered buggies and carts are prevalent in many industries and sectors. Our guidance provides practical advice on managing and reducing the risks of fire and other material loss or damage whilst charging and in use. 

Lithium-ion batteries are being increasingly used on construction sites to power tools, plant and other devices. The following guidance can help reduce the risks of lithium-ion battery fires on construction sites.

Damaged, returned or recycled rechargeable batteries can present an increased risk of fire and require careful management to reduce the potential for property damage and the associated trade impacts. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming a more common sight on the road network. There are a number of important considerations when it comes to arrangements for the siting of chargers and the charging activity itself.

Our Loss Prevention Standard can help to provide guidance to help reduce the potential for fire incidents involving electric bicycles and e-bikes.  

The increased popularity of electric scooters, along with imports of poor-quality devices, modifications and use of aftermarket accessories can increase the risk of fire. How can you manage this risk?     

Battery powered forklift trucks are commonplace in many business premises and can create a number of hazards when not charged and operated safely. This guidance can help organise charging locations and provides risk management advice on the safe use of these vehicles.

Battery Energy Storage Systems are becoming increasingly popular for storing electrical power either imported from the grid for later use or generated on site, often from renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic installations. This helps you understand the associated risks and implement risk management controls to reduce the potential for fire and other losses.

Lithium-ion battery-powered tools are common in the workplace and whilst they're generally safe and reliable, they do introduce a fire hazard if not carefully managed. This guidance discusses some of the main concerns and what you can do to help reduce this risk potential for significant loss and consequences to business trading. 

The transit and storage of lithium-ion batteries, goods containing such batteries, and the use of lithium-ion battery powered equipment (such as forklift trucks) in storage environments requires careful management to help reduce the potential for fire events. This guidance outlines the main risk exposures and recommended risk controls in respect of the storage and transit of lithium-ion batteries.