On the 13 June, 2024 we held a webinar with Fire & Rescue NSW, Sedgwick, OCN (Owners Corporation Network) about the risk of fires for strata communities associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters. This summary unpacks the key takeaways, highlighting the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in apartments and offers practical solutions for strata communities to keep residents safe.
Daniel O’Dea from Fire and Rescue NSW, Sean Callan from Sedgwick and Fred Tuckwell from OCN joined us to discuss the fire safety challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires in e-bikes and e-scooters in apartment buildings, plus explore solutions to mitigate these risks.
Early last year, ABC reported that more than 450 fires across Australia had been linked to lithium-ion batteries over the previous 18 months. Throughout this webinar, we looked at the specific fire hazards posed by lithium-ion battery e-bikes and e-scooters stored and charged in apartment buildings. As always, our panellists provided practical steps that owners corporations and body corporates can take to manage these risks proactively.
If there is a fire involving an e-bike or e-scooter, what should you do? We talked about navigating lithium-ion battery fires in apartments, including the complexity of insurance claims.
But prevention is always better than cure. Are there effective by-laws that help create a safe environment for everyone who uses these electric mobility devices in your strata community?
Key Points:
- Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters, and many other devices, pose a significant fire risk.
- Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) has seen a substantial increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility scooters being leading culprits.
- These fires can be particularly dangerous due to rapid thermal runaway, which releases toxic and flammable gases.
- Fires from e-bikes and e-scooters are often linked to improper charging practices, mechanical damage, or electrical abuse.
Recommendations for Strata Owners Corporations:
- Develop and implement bylaws to regulate the storage and charging of e-bikes and e-scooters within apartment buildings.
- Educate strata residents about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and safe practices for charging and storing e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Regularly review and update building fire safety procedures to account for the growing presence of e-bikes and e-scooters.
What Else Was Covered?
- Sean Callan from Sedgwick discussed the complexities of insurance claims related to e-bike and e-scooter fires using a recent case study of an e-scooter fire in NSW.
- Fire and Rescue NSW detailed their ongoing research on lithium-ion battery fires to improve firefighting techniques and safety standards.
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- Webinar slidepack
- Transcript
Executive leader with a strong blend of commercial, technical, and governance experience. Brings over a decade in senior leadership roles at Telstra, complemented by hands-on expertise in building and construction, capital management, and large-scale project and product delivery. Former Chair of the Waratah Building, a large self-managed strata community.
As Chair of OCN, has led major funding initiatives, digital transformation projects, and national capability building, with a particular focus on sustainability, EV charging, and education for strata communities.
- EV Ready Buildings Expert Reference Group member.
- Author - Making Apartment Buildings EV ready.
- Developed and analysed strata scheme and member surveys.
Daniel O'Dea is an Operational Research Officer at Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW), where he works with firefighters, industry, and government stakeholders to identify emerging risks to first responders and develop practical safety solutions.
Daniel currently represents FRNSW on the national Alternative Energy Doctrine Group (AEDG), the AFAC Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology (ARET) working group, and the AFAC National Hydrogen Training Program Working Group.
He brings qualifications and experience across the electrical industry, along with more than 20 years in emergency management and incident response, drawn from roles across Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police.
