WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert reminding employers about managing the risks of using, storing and charging equipment with lithium-ion batteries.

The alert was issued after part of a hospital was evacuated when a lithium-ion battery from a workstation on wheels – commonly used in the healthcare sector – caught fire.

Several other batteries in the same hospital were found to have physical signs of damage such as cracked housing. This is when the entire outer case of the battery is damaged.

This was likely caused by the batteries being knocked or dropped as they were swapped into recharging cradles.

The alert suggested recommended ways to control risks, and noted that where lithium-ion batteries are used in certain workplaces, employers should use the highest level of risk control possible. They should not rely on administrative controls like operational staff inspecting batteries.

Employers should:

• Remove lithium-ion batteries from areas where a battery fire could be a hazard. For example: use only mains-powered devices where patients cannot be evacuated, and do not store or charge removable battery packs or light electric vehicles in offices or other spaces near people.
• Replace lithium-ion batteries with other batteries that are less likely to overheat and catch fire, where appropriate.
• Install software upgrades or smart chargers that monitor lithium-ion battery status. These automatically disconnect the power if a fault is detected.
• Talk to suppliers about ways to reduce handling of batteries. This may include: retrofitting existing WOWs with an adaptor to convert them to units with on-board batteries (do this in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions) and buying new WOWs with internal batteries that can be charged using a power point. This means employees will not have to handle batteries.
• Store and charge equipment in a dedicated area that is separated from people, and fire-resistant; for example, covered by working smoke alarms and suitable sprinkler systems
• Develop a system to inspect batteries and remove damaged batteries. For example, those with damaged power buttons or cracked battery housings. This could limit battery changeover to employees who: are trained, and can dedicate time to inspect and test batteries before they are reused.
• Provide information, instruction and training on how to clean and disinfect batteries. Ensure employees do not spray water or disinfectant on batteries or store water or alcohol-based products near batteries or charging cradles.
• Have emergency response plans that address the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire. These should include clear instructions for people to evacuate the area via a suitable route, and not try to extinguish a fire involving lithium-ion batteries as they could be exposed to toxic smoke.