Insurance companies and local Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) continue to warn us all of fires that can start caused by lithium-ion batteries. These are commonly found in rechargeable devices such as smartphones, tablets, power tools, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters.
If these devices are in use by your employees and are being recharged, either on the premises or elsewhere, then the following information is for you.
Case studies
Taking data from 2022-2025, insurers saw claims including:
- A significant house fire started because of an e-cigarette being charged with an incompatible charger.
- Whilst this is less likely to occur in a workplace, it could, if an employer allows employees to charge their personal electrical items at work.
- Our recommendation: Curtail this practice where possible. Where impractical, ensure that only a manufacturer’s charger or other stated compatible equipment is used. If not curtailed, include the hazard/risk within the premises risk assessment.
- Fire decimated a vehicle garage after a faulty charger was used to charge a remote-control car.
- The same could occur in any workplace, with items often charged out of sight and out of mind. Power tools, electric vehicles, e-bikes, walkie-talkies used by security, even e-forklifts will need charging, and all may be left charging unattended.
- Our recommendation: Chargers are not left unattended when in use, unless a regular recorded status check is being conducted, and are preferably left in plain sight where everybody can see it.
- A smartphone exploded while charging after becoming wet.
- This could easily occur in a workplace as a great number of employers provide mobiles for employees to use, and they are used in all sorts of conditions.
- Our recommendation: That all electrical goods are kept dry or dried when connecting to a power supply.
And commercial premises did not escape:
- January 2025 – A shop below flats was damaged by a fire caused by a failed lithium-ion battery.
- March 2025 – An e-bike caught fire on a railway station platform and was destroyed due to a faulty lithium-ion battery.
- September 2025 – A room on the 1st floor of a five-storey hotel was damaged by fire. Two adults were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery left to charge in a power bank.
- And just last month, an EV being transported with eight others caught fire, closing both sides of the M5 for hours. All EVs on the transporter and the transporting vehicle itself were destroyed.
Are we lacking awareness?
It is estimated that more than 43 million people in the UK own a device that contains a lithium-ion battery, and yet awareness around the risks posed is still low. The research conducted by the insurance company also showed:
- 41% of people asked did not know what a lithium-ion battery was
- Just over 40% were unaware of the fire risks associated with charging them
- 71% did not know the warning signs to look out for.
This may be due to a lack of awareness about which devices contain lithium-ion batteries. When asked, relatively low numbers of people correctly identified the following devices as containing them:
- 37% – Mobile phones
- 33% – Laptops
- 23% – Power tools
- 22% – Tablets
- 22% – Vapes
- 20% – Smart home devices (e.g. video doorbells)
The fire risk
Employees who use these devices and batteries could be presented with a significant fire if the battery fails, is faulty or is charged incorrectly.
Buying from second-hand retailers or sellers poses a higher risk, as there is increased potential:
- For the battery to be damaged or faulty on purchase
- For the battery in the device to be different to the original
- For the charger supplied to be incorrect
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are more difficult to extinguish and can destroy a property. People are urged to be aware of the fire risk from lithium-ion batteries and protect themselves and their properties from potentially devastating outcomes.
Staying safe
Proper care of lithium-ion batteries and devices can help to extend battery life and reduce the risk of fire.
Batteries need to be monitored and checked for damage. Signs of faults include:
- A bulging or leaking battery
- An overheating battery
- Unusual smells or noises from the battery, i.e. hissing
- A poorly performing battery, i.e. not holding a charge
- Any other signs of physical damage to the battery, i.e. cracking.
If damage is noticed, stop using the device immediately and replace the battery. Batteries should only be replaced with a manufacturer-recommended battery. Incompatible batteries can result in a battery failure and a fire occurring.
Make sure to store batteries and devices safely. When not in use:
- Store them in a cool dry place
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and flammable materials
- Ensure that where they are stored and charged has a smoke alarm installed
- Early warning systems such as smoke alarms and heat alarms can alert you to fires before they become a serious threat to life.
Alternatively, specific storage mediums can be used, such as cabinets which have an established and proven track record for containing heat/flames.
Also, ensure that storage of these items is accounted for within the building’s fire risk assessment.
Charging lithium-ion batteries
Correct charging of these batteries is a big factor in minimising risk and staying safe.
- Always use manufacturer-approved chargers, specifically designed for the device
- Avoid overcharging batteries
- Disconnect when fully charged, unplugging the charger
- Leaving them constantly on charge increases the risk of overheating and, in turn, the chances of a fire
- Monitor batteries and devices when charging, and do not leave them unattended
- Charge batteries and devices in a safe location
- Ideally, this needs to be on a flat, non-flammable surface
- Avoid soft surfaces and charging close to flammable materials and hazardous substances
- Never charge batteries or devices in hallways, doorways or anywhere along a fire escape route
- If there is a fire, you will need to be able to escape safely
- Inspect cables and connectors for any signs of wear and tear or damage, and replace any frayed, damaged components to prevent the possibility of short-circuiting
- Do not charge lithium-ion batteries in high temperatures or in direct sunlight
- High temperatures can cause the battery to overheat and increase fire risk
- Charge and store batteries in a fire-resistant box.
- This will offer some protection if the battery or device overheats and catches fire, containing any explosion and helping to prevent any serious fire damage.
Please get in touch if this newsletter has raised any concerns or if you have any other H&S queries.