This article is about safety measures for device owners and bodies corporate to reduce fire risks when storing and charging lithium-ion battery powered mobility devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used to power devices such as electrical scooters, e-bikes and other electric mobility aids. While generally safe when used correctly, these batteries can pose serious fire and safety risks if stored, charged or handled improperly. It is important to know how to safely store and charge these devices and reduce the risk of fires and serious injuries.
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) recommends practical steps for both owners of electric mobility devices and bodies corporate to help minimise electrical safety hazards associated with their use and storage. These steps include:
Storage location for e-scooters and e-bikes
Choose a cool, dry, and sheltered area with adequate ventilation for storing electric devices. It’s important that storage locations are well away from other buildings, common areas, or flammable materials to reduce the risk of fire spreading in case of an incident. Proper storage areas not only protect devices but also help safeguard the broader property.
Building type
For enhanced safety, use concrete or brick buildings for device storage, rather than timber structures. This helps minimise fire risks. Additionally, avoid storing devices in areas under buildings, especially when charging, as these spaces can trap heat and increase fire risk.
Spacing and piling
To prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire or malfunction, electrical devices should not be stacked and should be adequately spaced when stationary to avoid the possibility of a cascading effect if one device encounters an issue.
Charging controls
Device owners should ensure that chargers are specifically matched to the brand and model of each device. The use of generic or incompatible chargers can significantly increase the risk of electrical faults or fire.
Bodies corporate may consider implementing by-laws to regulate the use of modified devices and charging areas. For example, a by-law could require that adequate clearance is maintained around charging equipment to reduce the risk of overheating. Before introducing such a by-law, the body corporate may wish to get legal advice to ensure its validity and enforceability.
Individual owners and occupiers also have a responsibility to regularly inspect their charging devices for signs of wear, damage or malfunction, and replace them as necessary.
Safety measures
The body corporate should consider installing smoke detectors in storage and charging areas to provide early warning of potential fire hazards. Depending on the size and nature of the building, installing fire sprinkler systems may also be appropriate to enhance fire safety. It’s essential to keep all exits clear and to restrict access to charging areas to help prevent accidents and ensure that emergency services can access the area quickly in the event of an incident.
Battery disposal
Lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of in a safe manner. These batteries should never be placed in regular rubbish bins, recycle bins, or put out for kerbside collection. Batteries can be disposed of safely at some grocery and hardware stores, Planet Ark provides an easy locator for battery drop-off points.
Promoting responsible storage and charging
The ESO encourages all residents, staff, and visitors to follow safe and responsible storage and charging practices.
The body corporate can support this by regularly conducting risk assessments and improving storage areas to significantly enhance safety across the property. Clear signage on the dos and don’ts within the storage areas can also help communicate these messages effectively.
By taking these proactive steps, bodies corporate can help reduce fire risk and ensure the safe use and storage of electric mobility devices.
Learn more about lithium-ion battery-operated equipment (including electric scooters).
Information Service Freecall 1800 060 119
Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management
This post appears in Strata News #751.
This article has been republished with permission from the author and first appeared on the BCCM Common Ground newsletter.
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Read next:
- QLD: Q&A E-bike and electric scooter battery fire risks in apartments
- QLD: Q&A Fire Regulations and Fire Door Compliance
- QLD: Q&A Smoke Alarms – A Timely Reminder For Body Corporate
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