NT WorkSafe advises Territorians to prioritise lithium-ion battery safety during Electrical Safety Week

September's first week in the Northern Territory is recognised as Electrical Safety Week, and this year, NT WorkSafe is advocating for Territorians to prioritise lithium-ion battery safety.

In the financial year 2024-25, the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service identified three fires that were caused by the charging of Lithium-Ion batteries, including two power banks and one mobile phone, which led to significant damage to a property.

“Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in rechargeable devices such as laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools,” NT Worksafe said.

“Lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish with water-based extinguishers, and the thermal runaway can cause fires that appear extinguished to reignite.”

NT WorkSafe states that a fire involving a lithium-ion battery may result from overcharging or the use of non-compliant or incompatible charging devices. Additionally, overheating the battery due to exposure to heat or extreme temperatures, as well as damaging the battery through dropping, crushing, or piercing it, can also lead to such fires.

Learn more here.