Fire safety and lithium batteries: What you need to know

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles. As technology evolves, their use has expanded into new forms of transport, particularly e-bikes and e-scooters, which are becoming a common sight in cities. These modes of transport are now an integral part of daily life, with 40% of e-scooter owners using them to commute. While they offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars, they also bring new fire safety challenges that many people are unaware of.

Lithium-ion batteries carry serious fire risks—particularly when damaged, overcharged, or stored improperly. Since 2020, fires linked to these batteries have resulted in 10 deaths and 190 injuries. Yet many people remain unaware of how easily these incidents can occur, or that simple mistakes in handling can have severe consequences.

As these batteries become more common, especially in everyday tech and transport, awareness and safe practices are more important than ever. In this blog, we explore why lithium batteries catch fire, what the current guidance says, and how to store and handle them safely.

Although lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, they can become highly dangerous when something goes wrong. When damaged or overheated, lithium-ion batteries can enter a process called thermal runaway—a rapid chemical reaction that causes intense heat and pressure to build up. This heat spreads to nearby cells, causing the battery to ignite spontaneously at temperatures between 700°C and 1000°C.

As the cells break down, they release flammable gases, which can lead to explosions in enclosed spaces, and fires caused by thermal runaway spread extremely fast. These fires are difficult to extinguish and can reignite hours or even days later, especially in larger batteries like those in electric vehicles.

While lithium-ion batteries are widely used, regulations around their fire safety are still developing. At present, there are no UK standards specifically focused on the fire safety performance of lithium batteries. However, broader safety standards and legal requirements do apply.

Product safety standards such as IEC 62133 set out requirements for the safe use of lithium batteries in portable electronic devices like phones and laptops. Other relevant standards include UL-1642 and UL-9540, which also address battery safety and performance.

Moreover, the proposed Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill aims to introduce stronger regulation in the UK. It includes mandatory safety checks before products enter the market, rules for safe disposal, and requirements around charging and storage practices.

In workplaces and non-domestic premises, fire safety is covered under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This places a legal duty on a designated ‘Responsible Person’ to conduct a —which includes the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Together, these standards and legal responsibilities form the current framework for lithium battery safety—though many experts agree that more targeted regulation is needed to keep pace with their growing use.

As lithium-ion batteries become more common in workplaces — powering tools, devices, e-bikes and scooters — knowing how to store, charge, and handle them correctly is essential. While many precautions are simple, overlooking them can lead to serious fire risks. Below are four key areas to focus on, but if you want to dive into more detailed advice, you will love our full guide How to Store Lithium Batteries Safely in The Workplace.

Every workplace should assess how lithium-ion batteries are used on site. This includes identifying where batteries are stored, how they’re charged, and whether damaged or unused batteries are accumulating. It’s also important to consider if staff are bringing in personal devices, like e-scooters, and whether they’re being charged indoors. Risk levels will vary depending on the battery’s condition, charge level, and environment—but all should be factored into a formal fire risk assessment and reviewed regularly.

Charging is one of the most common sources of battery fires. Only use manufacturer-approved chargers and ensure all equipment is PAT tested—especially if brought in by employees. Charging should never be left unattended, carried out overnight, or done in areas without proper supervision. Overloaded sockets, damaged cables, or mismatched chargers can all increase risk. Employers should ensure charging is managed by trained staff in designated areas, with clear guidance in place.

Batteries not in use should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials. Avoid stacking them near walkways, exits, or anywhere they could be damaged. Ideally, batteries should be kept in dedicated, fire-resistant containers—such as metal cabinets or protective safety bags. Storage areas should be clearly marked, and the volume of batteries stored on site kept to a minimum.

Everyone handling batteries should be able to spot signs of damage, know what to do in an emergency, and follow safe charging and storage procedures. Fire evacuation plans should also reflect battery risks—such as trip hazards from cables or blocked exits. Employers should review and update workplace policies to account for these new risks, including fire safety training, how personal charging equipment is managed and when it’s appropriate to use designated charging zones.

As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, so does the need for greater awareness and responsibility. While the risks are real, they can be managed with the right precautions—from safe charging and storage to updated risk assessments and staff training. By putting clear measures in place, workplaces can stay safe, compliant, and prepared as battery-powered technology becomes part of everyday life.