The rapid adoption of lithium-ion battery technology has outpaced many organisations’ ability to manage their associated risks.

A recent survey revealed a startling gap: 71% of organisations have not updated their fire risk assessments to address lithium-ion battery hazards—even as incidents surge globally. At EHS International, we’ve seen first-hand how this oversight leaves facilities vulnerable.

Paul Rogers, Fire Protection Engineer at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), underscores the urgency:

“Lithium-ion batteries introduce unique fire risks that many organisations are unprepared for. As adoption grows, outdated fire safety protocols leave facilities dangerously exposed. Proactive risk assessments and updated safety strategies are no longer optional—they’re critical to preventing catastrophic incidents.”

This warning aligns with what we in EHS International see too often. Companies often lack the expertise to address thermal runaway risks, poor storage, or emergency response gaps—until an incident occurs.

The Challenge

A local automotive recycler approached EHS International after several near-miss fires involving lithium-ion EV batteries at their premises. Their fire safety protocols were for traditional combustion engine vehicles. They did not account for lithium-ion’s volatile chemistry. The client needed urgent support to:

  • Update fire risk assessments to address battery storage and charging.
  • Train staff on handling battery-related emergencies.
  • Recommend simple but cost-effective safeguards to prevent future incidents.

Our Solution

EHS International’s team conducted a comprehensive Li-ion risk assessment and mitigation, including:

  1. Stabilising the present situation: Our team was on site first thing the next day. We used our systems to identify any immediate hazards. This allowed the customer to start thinking strategically rather than reactively.
  2. Hazard Mapping: Identifying high-risk zones (e.g., charging stations, storage areas).
  3. Protocol Overhaul: Redesign fire suppression systems for lithium-ion fires. They need specialised agents like our Thermal Runaway Fluid fire extinguishers.
  4. Training Programs: Delivering short hands-on workshops on battery handling, suspect battery quarantining, thermal runaway precursor recognition, and emergency response.
  5. Monitoring Systems: Recommending thermal imaging cameras to detect overheating batteries in real-time.

The Result

Within six months, the client saw:

  • Zero battery-related incidents across its site.
  • Staff confidence in working with these batteries increased as we dispelled some myths that were affecting morale.
  • Compliance with updated best practices for EV battery recycling safety.

EHS International didn’t just check boxes—we transformed our client’s safety culture.

Why Most Organisations Are Still at Risk

The survey’s 71% statistic isn’t just a number—it reflects widespread complacency. Many companies assume current fire safety measures are enough. But lithium-ion batteries need tailored strategies, as common oversights include:

  • Using water-based extinguishers (ineffective for lithium-ion fires).
  • Storing damaged batteries alongside functional ones (presents a business continuity risk).
  • Failing to train staff on early warning signs (e.g., hissing, swelling).

Partner with EHS International to Close the Gap

Don’t wait for an incident to force your hand. EHS International combines decades of safety expertise with cutting-edge insights into lithium-ion risks. Our services include:

✅ Customised risk assessments & hazard audits.

✅ Staff training programs tailored to lithium-ion safety.

✅ Emergency response planning and system upgrades.

Preventing Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents with Expert Guidance: Your Next Step Matters

As Paul Rogers emphasised, the time to act is now. With the rise of lithium-ion batteries, outdated safety plans are a liability. They are no longer enough. At EHS International, we’re here to ensure your organisation isn’t part of the 71%.

Contact us today by emailing our Director of Projects, Kevin Howlette, to schedule a consultation. Let’s turn reactive into proactive—before a preventable incident disrupts your operations.

Get Started: [email protected]