By: Alexandra Mattisson

Reliance on backup power systems and electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa has surged due to persistent load-shedding, frequent power outages, and rising fuel prices. Solutions ranging from pocket-sized power banks to expansive solar installations and electric vehicle charging stations all share a common feature: lithium-ion batteries.

While lithium-ion batteries keep our homes, cars, and devices powered, their convenience often masks significant risks. Fire, in particular, is a growing hazard and it is crucial to understand the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Risk Factors and Exposures

Fire remains the most significant risk associated with lithium-ion batteries, as these batteries are highly volatile and require meticulous handling and storage.

Key Risk Factors:

• High Combustion Temperatures: Lithium-ion batteries can burn at temperatures between 700°C and 1,000°C, compromising the structural integrity of buildings by warping steel reinforcements, leading to possible collapses.
• Toxic Smoke Emissions: The smoke from burning lithium-ion batteries is highly toxic, even more dangerous than some of the deadliest poisons. Inhaling these fumes for mere seconds can cause severe respiratory distress and/or fatalities.
• Challenges in Extinguishing Fires:

Water Application: Never use water to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. It can react with lithium or other battery components, causing explosions or spreading the fire further. Fire departments often use special suppression techniques or let the battery burn out under controlled conditions.

Standard Fire Extinguishers: Conventional fire extinguishers are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires. Instead, specialised fire suppression agents or fire blankets designed for battery fires are required.

Extended Burn Time: In many cases, the safest course of action is to let the battery burn out completely, which can take 48 to 72 hours or longer. Firefighters contain the fire rather than attempt to extinguish it prematurely, as improper intervention can worsen it.

Storage Hazards: Storing lithium-ion batteries without flame-retardant dividers can lead to thermal runaway, where one igniting battery triggers a chain reaction. Placing batteries near vehicles, generators, or fuel tanks is extremely dangerous, as an explosion could cause widespread destruction.

A tragic 2024 lithium battery factory fire in Hwaseong city, South Korea, is a stark reminder of these risks. The fire led to multiple explosions, claiming 22 lives. Many of the workers died from toxic smoke inhalation within seconds. The incident highlights the need for strict safety measures when handling lithium-ion batteries.

Trends and Mitigating Risks

The rising adoption of lithium-ion batteries in South Africa, particularly for solar inverters, battery storage systems, and backup power solutions, has heightened fire risks in homes, offices, and public spaces. Insights from Wynand Engelbrecht, the Chief Fire Officer at FireOps, emphasise the importance of professional installation and regular maintenance.

Recommended Safety Measures:

• Outdoor Installation: Whenever possible, install lithium-ion batteries outside buildings. In the event of a fire, this placement ensures that toxic smoke disperses into the open air, reducing inhalation risks and fire hazards.
• Indoor Precautions: If an outdoor installation is not feasible:

Early Detection: Install smoke detectors near battery units to provide early warnings and prompt emergency response.

Flame-Retardant Barriers: Use flame-retardant dividers between batteries - and between batteries and other items, such as vehicles, to prevent fire spread and protect occupants.

Structural Protection: To prevent structural damage from high heat, consider installing systems that allow firefighters to cool building reinforcements, such as drilling core holes into the structure to facilitate water infusion.

• Proper Storage: Avoid clustering batteries together without appropriate barriers. Ensure they are stored away from flammable materials and potential ignition sources.
• Mobility for Safety: Mounting batteries on movable trolleys can help emergency services move them to safer areas if a fire occurs.
• EV Charging Stations: These should not be installed underground or in enclosed parkades due to the fire risks and potential structural hazards brought on by high combustion temperatures.

In some parts of the world, the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires have led to significant safety measures. In Milford, Connecticut, an underground parking garage banned electric vehicles after concerns over the extreme difficulty in extinguishing EV battery fires. In China, similar bans have been enforced in high-risk locations following incidents where battery fires compromised building structures. These cases highlight the importance of proactive risk mitigation, ensuring safe battery storage and charging station placement to prevent catastrophic events.

Role of Consort in Mitigating the Risk

At Consort, we understand the evolving risks posed by emerging technologies like lithium-ion batteries. Awareness and preventative measures are key to ensuring safety as these power sources become more prevalent in homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Proactive risk management includes:

• Encouraging proper installation and maintenance of battery storage systems.
• Raising awareness about fire hazards, structural risks, and emergency response best practices.

By implementing these measures, businesses and individuals can significantly reduce risks, making these technologies safer and more insurable. The better we understand and manage these risks, the more accessible and sustainable these innovations become.

‘Technology is the spark that powers the future, but without care, it can also ignite unforeseen risks.’

Through informed decision-making and responsible implementation, we can harness the benefits of lithium-ion technology while minimising potential dangers.

Consort Technical Underwriting Managers