Why Escape Routes Matter

One of the most important fire safety considerations is whether a fire could affect the route that occupants need to use to escape.

In blocks of flats, HMOs and converted properties, occupants may depend on shared staircases, landings and communal corridors. If an e-bike, e-scooter or battery pack catches fire in one of these areas, occupants may be unable to safely pass the fire or smoke.

For this reason, rechargeable devices should not normally be charged or stored where they could obstruct or compromise a means of escape.

This is particularly important in:

• Blocks of flats
• HMOs
• Student accommodation
• Sheltered or supported housing
• Serviced accommodation
• Buildings with single staircases
• Properties with narrow corridors or limited alternative escape routes

Damaged Batteries and Warning Signs

A lithium-ion battery should not be used if there are signs that it may be damaged or defective.

Warning signs may include:

• Swelling or bulging
• Unusual heat during use or charging
• Hissing, cracking or popping sounds
• Leaking fluid
• A strong or unusual smell
• Smoke
• Scorch marks
• Damage following a drop, impact or collision
• Charger or cable damage

Where these signs are present, the device should not continue to be charged or used. Damaged batteries should be dealt with safely in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and local recycling arrangements.

Safe Disposal of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries should not be placed in general waste bins. Batteries thrown away with normal rubbish can be damaged during collection, transport or processing, increasing the risk of fire.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service identifies improper disposal in general waste as one of the risks associated with lithium batteries. Local reporting in Lancashire has also linked badly disposed lithium batteries with fires at waste sites. [lancsfirer…cue.org.uk] [lancasterg…dian.co.uk]

Where possible, batteries should be recycled using appropriate battery recycling points or waste recycling centres. If a battery cannot be removed from the item, the whole electrical product may need to be taken to a suitable recycling facility.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety In Residential Buildings

In residential buildings, fire safety is not only about individual behaviour. Managing agents, landlords, freeholders and Responsible Persons may need to consider how lithium battery risks are managed within the building.

This may include:

• Advising residents not to charge e-bikes or e-scooters in communal areas
• Keeping escape routes clear from stored items and charging equipment
• Providing resident fire safety information
• Considering whether a building-specific policy is required
• Recording lithium battery risks within the fire risk assessment
• Reviewing arrangements where e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility scooters are likely to be present
• Ensuring waste and recycling arrangements are suitable
• Reviewing whether detection is appropriate in relevant areas
• Taking action where devices are stored in common parts

The Department for Transport has published guidance for premises managers on managing fire risk from e-cycle and e-scooter batteries. The guidance is intended to help managers assess and manage these risks, although it states that it is informative and does not replace existing regulations. [gov.uk]

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety in Fire Risk Assessments

A suitable fire risk assessment should consider foreseeable ignition sources and fire hazards within the premises. In many residential buildings, the use and charging of lithium-ion batteries is now a foreseeable issue.

This does not mean that every building requires the same level of control. The approach should be practical and proportionate, taking into account:

• The type of building
• Occupancy profile
• Escape route arrangements
• Whether common areas are used for storage
• Whether mobility scooters, e-bikes or e-scooters are present
• Existing management arrangements
• Resident communication
• Fire detection and warning arrangements
• The likelihood of devices being charged in communal areas

For some buildings, simple resident information and clear management rules may be sufficient. For others, particularly where devices are being charged in escape routes, more immediate action may be required.

What to Do if a Lithium-ion Battery Catches Fire

Lithium battery fires can develop quickly and may be difficult to control. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service advises not to attempt to tackle a lithium battery fire yourself, not to attempt to move a burning item, and to get out, stay out and call the fire service. NFCC guidance similarly advises that in the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, people should not attempt to extinguish the fire and should get out, stay out and call 999.

If a device catches fire:

• Do not attempt to move it
• Do not put yourself or others at risk
• Leave the building if it is safe to do so
• Close doors behind you where possible
• Call 999
• Do not re-enter the building

Reducing Risk in Residential Buildings

Many lithium battery fire risks can be reduced by simple precautions.

Key steps include:

• Buying electrical items from reputable retailers
• Using manufacturer-approved chargers
• Avoiding overnight charging
• Keeping batteries away from escape routes
• Not charging on beds, sofas or combustible surfaces
• Removing damaged devices from use
• Keeping communal areas clear
• Providing clear resident guidance
• Disposing of batteries correctly
• Reviewing the fire risk assessment when new risks are identified

A proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of fire and supports compliance with fire safety duties.

Fire Risk Assessments in Lancashire and Cumbria

JBR Fire Compliance Ltd provides professional fire risk assessments throughout Lancashire, Cumbria and the North West.

We assess a wide range of premises, including blocks of flats, HMOs, serviced accommodation, commercial premises, care settings, schools, holiday parks and residential buildings.

Where lithium battery fire risks are relevant, we can provide practical and proportionate advice to help Responsible Persons, landlords and managing agents reduce risk and improve fire safety arrangements.

Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

If you manage a residential building, HMO, block of flats, serviced accommodation or commercial premises, JBR Fire Compliance Ltd can help identify fire safety risks and provide clear recommendations.

Contact JBR Fire Compliance Ltd to arrange a professional fire risk assessment across Lancashire, Cumbria and the North West.