- HAE’s new safety awareness campaign to promote lithium-ion battery best practice and protect the hire industry
- Lithium-ion battery fires up 46 per cent from 2022 to 2023
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries.
The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill aims to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. It was introduced in July 2024 and is currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords.
HAE EHA will be sharing best practice videos and infographics on its website and social media to educate users on how to store and use these batteries correctly, as well as what to do should a fire break out. HAE EHA members will also be able to access a more detailed resource pack as part of their membership.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery provided for use in power tools and equipment, for example; cordless drills, grinders, saws, garden tools etc, as well as e-bikes and scooters, and mobile phones. These batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small volume and support high power demands.
Though generally safe, lithium-ion batteries can become fire risks due to improper use or damage, and enter a state called ‘thermal runaway’ where the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state which can lead to a fire. It has been reported that UK fire services attended 921 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023, a 46 per cent increase on 2022’s figures, with almost three fires a day involving these batteries[1].
HAE EHA is an industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world.
Carl Bartlett, director of certification services at HAE EHA, said: “We don’t want any more people to be hurt as a result of poor use or poor storage of lithium-ion batteries. There are too many avoidable instances where we believe better education about how to handle these batteries could save lives and livelihoods.
“Companies in the hire industry hiring out these devices need to be able to properly inform their customers and teams about how to safely use, transport, store and report any issues about their lithium-ion batteries. If these new resources can help avoid even one fire, their job has been done.”
HAE EHA’s advice for the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries includes:
- Before using the equipment, always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
- Be careful not to drop batteries or use them as hammers, impact and penetration can cause leakage, heat generation, smoke, fire or explosions.
- Keep batteries away from other metal objects. Screws, nails, washers or other similar objects can short the terminals on the battery. Always use a suitable carry case.
- Do not touch the battery poles with your fingers, tools or any other electrically conductive objects.
- Keep batteries away from rain, moisture, salts and other corrosive materials.
- Don’t expose batteries to elevated temperatures, sparking or open flames, or direct sunlight behind glass.
- Do not incinerate batteries.
- Do not disassemble batteries.
- Only use chargers recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never use or charge a battery that has suffered impact or been damaged in any way.
For full advice and best practice guidance, members can download resources via the HAE EHA member platform: https://www.hae.org.uk/members/
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