A survey conducted by Aviva has revealed that more than half of UK businesses have experienced issues related to lithium-ion batteries, with incidents ranging from overheating to fires and explosions.
Of the 501 businesses surveyed, 54% reported encountering at least one battery-related issue, underscoring the risks associated with these commonly used energy storage devices.
Lithium-ion batteries, found in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes, and electric vehicles, present heightened fire risks due to their chemical composition. Factors such as damage, manufacturing defects, improper charging, or modifications can lead to overheating, known as thermal runaway, which can cause volatile and hard-to-control fires.
The survey also found that 36% of respondents experienced battery overheating, 19% reported sparking, and 17% encountered smoking incidents. More severe events included fires (13%) and explosions (12%).
According to the London Fire Brigade, in 2023 there was a lithium-ion battery fire linked to e-bikes or e-scooters every two days in the city.
Despite these risks, Aviva’s research suggests many businesses are not fully adopting safety measures to mitigate battery-related incidents. Among those that experienced issues, 52% reported avoiding overcharging batteries, 51% used genuine compatible chargers, and 56% adhered to manufacturer guidelines for disposing of damaged batteries.
However, fewer than half of businesses implemented other recommended precautions, such as maintaining charging equipment (47%), ensuring well-ventilated charging areas (46%), or charging batteries on non-flammable surfaces (41%). Additionally, only 45% partnered with certified recycling facilities or established internal disposal protocols.
Chris Andrews (pictured above), director of Aviva Risk Management Solutions, noted the critical nature of the issue.
“Aviva’s research highlights a critical issue facing businesses today: the significant risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. With over half of the surveyed businesses experiencing incidents such as sparking, fires, and explosions, it is clear that precautions need to be taken,” Andrews said.
While 93% of businesses that experienced incidents had training programmes in place, only 41% trained staff regularly, and 40% provided occasional training. This indicates gaps in consistent education on safe battery practices.
Aviva has emphasised the importance of employee education and emergency preparedness to address these risks. Recommendations include regular inspections for signs of battery damage, proper storage and disposal, and developing emergency response plans.
Aviva advises businesses to prioritise safety when handling lithium-ion batteries by implementing measures such as supervised charging, using proprietary charging cabinets, and storing batteries away from combustible materials. Further recommendations include replacing batteries before the end of their life cycle and ensuring proper disposal in line with local regulations.
To mitigate risks, Andrews emphasised the importance of proactive measures. “To mitigate these risks, Aviva recommends several precautions, including safe charging practices, regular inspections, proper storage, and comprehensive employee training,” Andrews said.
“Despite the high incidence of battery-related issues, our survey indicates that many businesses are not fully implementing these safety measures. It is imperative that businesses prioritise the safe handling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to prevent potentially catastrophic incidents,” he said.
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