Background

As society becomes more dependent on lithium-ion batteries for transportation (mobility devices), manufacturing, and multiple other uses, it is notable they are susceptible to fire or explosion resulting in toxic gases. These are to be treated as immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

Concerns and hazards

Although lithium-ion battery manufacturers build several safety features into lithium-ion batteries, fire crews should be aware that these systems can create a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway creates fire gases which are highly toxic and can cause severe adverse effects to a firefighter’s health.

Actions for employers

Employers must familiarize firefighters with the hazards of lithium-ion batteries.

Employers should:

  • train firefighters on the methods provided by manufacturers to shut down, control or extinguish lithium-ion battery fires
  • establish and continually update standard operating guidelines for responding to lithium-ion battery emergencies
  • include measures for limiting interaction with lithium-ion batteries and determining when fire crews should allow the lithium-ion batteries to continue to burn
  • when possible during call taking, have dispatch assess whether a lithium-ion battery is involved and its location in or near a structure (home, garage and parking garage)
  • establish standard operating guidelines for setting up safe work areas when responding to incidents

Considerations

These are some important safety considerations for responding to lithium-ion battery incidents.

Fire departments should ensure the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries are mitigated through:

  • early identification
  • assessment
  • appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use
  • proper scene management

Procedure

For incidents involving any class of lithium-ion battery fires: 

  • Personnel interacting with (or operating in an area adjacent or connected to) a lithium-ion battery fire must protect their skin and respiratory system from burn and inhalation hazard from off-gassing, fire or explosion by:
    • wearing full PPE
    • donning self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with facepiece
  • Use a thermal imaging camera to assess and monitor heat signatures.
  • Identify and protect exposures and consider letting the fire continue to burn.
  • Assume a defensive approach unless a life safety hazard is identified.
  • Lithium-ion batteries with suspected or known damage or those subjected to extreme temperatures (such as being present in a fire environment) should be removed from interior/confined areas and isolated from other combustibles.
  • Do not remove via elevators.
  • Prior to overhauling a structure fire, conduct a diligent search and remove any lithium-ion batteries to prevent them from being covered up. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can reignite and cause a rekindle when combustible materials are next to them.
  • The heat from lithium-ion battery fires may have damaged additional cells, which may require additional suppression activities. Batteries should always be treated as energized. To prevent secondary ignition risks, continuously monitor for heat from the battery.
  • Have sufficient fire personnel and apparatus on scene for an extended operation.
  • Do not handle lithium-ion batteries directly.
  • Establish procedures related to the safe disposal of damaged or impacted lithium-ion batteries.
  • Conduct continuous air monitoring.
  • Ensure that lithium-ion battery fires are investigated and reported.
  • The scene should be thoroughly documented (photo, video, etc.).

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act:
    • clause 25(2)(b) requires an employer to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker
    • clause 25(2)(d), requires an employer to acquaint a worker or a person in authority over a worker with any hazard in the work
    • clause 25(2)(h) requires an employer to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

Relevant standards

Related

Read firefighter guidance notes: