Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety: Why Workplaces Must Update Risk Assessments

Lithium-ion battery fire safety issue showing phone on fire Lithium-ion battery fire safety issue showing phone on fire
Emergency Planning-Fire Risk-General

The Rising Need for Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety in UK Workplaces

Lithium-ion battery fire safety is becoming a major concern for UK employers, with incidents rising by more than 60% in the past year. From phones and laptops to EVs and industrial storage, lithium-ion batteries are now everywhere — and so are the risks.

Unlike typical fires, lithium-ion battery fires:
• Burn hotter and spread faster
• Can reignite even after being extinguished
• Produce highly toxic smoke within seconds

These hazards require a rethink of how organisations approach fire risk assessments and emergency procedures.

Why Lithium-Ion Fires Are Different — and More Dangerous

UK fire services have seen a sharp increase in incidents related to battery charging and storage, particularly with EVs, e-bikes and smartphones. These fires escalate quickly and release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride, making fast evacuation and response critical.

Workplace fire safety must now include consideration of battery fire scenarios — not just in fire suppression, but in business continuity and staff protection.

Fire Risk Assessments Need a Modern Update

Standard assessments are no longer enough. To be effective, fire risk assessments must address:
• Secure charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries
• Fire risks related to EV charging infrastructure
• Fast-developing fire scenarios requiring quicker evacuation
• Staff awareness and training on how to respond to battery-related fires

At HFR Solutions CIC, our expert-led assessments are tailored to modern risks, ensuring compliance and resilience in equal measure.

Fire Risk Assessments

Emergency Planning & Fire Safety Training

Prevention is vital, but preparation saves lives. A modern emergency response plan should cover:
• Toxic smoke hazards and battery-specific fire scenarios
• Trained emergency responders onsite
• Staff training that goes beyond theory

Our training helps you prepare for the unexpected.

Fire Safety Training Courses

Case Study – Sherbourne Recycling

In December 2024, our team worked with Sherbourne Recycling to stress-test their emergency plans using live, scenario-led training. This realistic approach:
• Exposed weaknesses in existing evacuation protocols
• Boosted team confidence and awareness
• Reinforced their readiness for lithium-ion battery incidents

This is what proactive fire safety looks like — turning theory into practical, tested action.

Is Your Business Ready for a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire?

Building resilience is about more than ticking boxes. It means planning for today’s risks, not yesterday’s regulations. HFR Solutions CIC can support your organisation with:
• Fire risk assessments that factor in EVs and battery storage
• Emergency planning based on real scenarios
• Specialist training that prepares your workforce to act

If you’re unsure whether your current fire safety setup is up to date, now’s the time to find out.

Contact Us!
Call Us: 01482 398521

FAQs on Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety

Q. What causes lithium-ion battery fires?
A. Overcharging, overheating, impact damage, or manufacturing faults can trigger thermal runaway, causing the battery to catch fire.

Q. How should workplaces store batteries?
A. Keep batteries in cool, dry, ventilated areas, away from flammable materials. Damaged batteries should be disposed of safely.

Q. What makes these fires different?
A. They burn hotter, spread rapidly, may reignite, and produce toxic smoke — meaning rapid evacuation is critical.

Q. What should be included in an updated fire risk assessment?
A. Assess storage, charging, training, evacuation plans, and appropriate fire suppression for battery fires.

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