This article is about Lithium-ion batteries and the fire dangers for strata.
NSW Fire and Rescue (FRNSW) continues to grapple with a concerning surge in e-bike and e-scooter fires, with at least five incidents per week in NSW linked to lithium-ion batteries.
A recent fire at an inner Sydney e-bike shop, resulting in the evacuation of an entire apartment block, underscores this alarming trend.
FRNSW emphasises the need for increased awareness and education regarding the safe selection, use, charging, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to minimise the risk of fires.
Key Safety Tips
- Never leave charging devices unattended: Avoid sleeping or leaving your home while lithium-ion batteries or powered devices are charging.
- Disconnect chargers: Unplug chargers once batteries are fully charged.
- Avoid hazardous storage: Keep batteries away from exits and flammable materials.
- Proper disposal: Do not dispose of batteries in regular trash or recycling bins.
- Recycling: Take used lithium-ion batteries to nearby BCycle battery recycling drop-off points.
- Buy reputable brands: Purchase batteries and chargers from trusted sources.
- Avoid mixing components: Do not combine batteries or chargers from different brands.
- Implement a by-law: Owners corporations should adopt an e-bike/e-scooter by-law to manage resident safety and mitigate fire risks.
- For more information, visit FRNSW Lithium-ion Battery Safety.
- In case of a fire, evacuate immediately and call 000.
A By-law Can Proactively Safeguard Your Strata Community
By implementing a well-crafted by-law, owners corporations can significantly reduce the risk of e-vehicle fires and establish clear guidelines, including:
- Protection for owners corporations in case of battery fire incidents
- Safe charging practices for lithium-ion batteries
- Restrictions on battery types to ensure safety
- Proper disposal procedures to prevent hazards
- Registration and storage requirements for e-vehicles
- Resident education for e-vehicle safety
We strongly recommend implementing an e-vehicle by-law for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other e-vehicles, especially as warmer weather approaches and more residents use these modes of transportation.
Adrian Mueller
JS Mueller & Co Lawyers
E: [email protected]
P: 02 9562 1266
This post appears in Strata News #718.
If you have a question or something to add to the article, please leave a comment below.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for your personal information only. It is not meant to be legal or professional advice nor should it be used as a substitute for such advice. You should seek legal advice for your specific circumstances before relying on any information herein. Contact JS Mueller & Co for any required legal assistance.
JS Mueller & Co Lawyers has been servicing the strata industry across metropolitan and regional NSW for over 40 years. We are a specialist firm of strata lawyers with in depth and unmatched experience in, and comprehensive knowledge of strata law and levy collection.
Read next:
- NAT: Risks to strata owners from lithium-ion battery fires
- NAT: EV fire in underground car park a safety concern for strata
This article has been republished with permission from the author and first appeared on the JS Mueller & Co Lawyers website.
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