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

In short: NT WorkSafe advises Territorians to prioritise lithium-ion battery safety during Electrical Safety Week, after three Northern Territory blazes were traced to power banks and a mobile phone left on charge.

September's first week in the Top End is recognised as Electrical Safety Week, and this year NT WorkSafe is urging Territorians to keep rechargeable power sources front of mind at home and on site.

Battery blazes recorded across the Territory

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.

Why lithium-ion battery fires are so hard to extinguish

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

Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chemical reaction: once a compromised cell starts venting, neighbouring cells heat rapidly and ignite in sequence. Equipment that feels cool to touch may reignite hours later, so isolate affected items outdoors and call 000.

Common causes of battery ignition

NT WorkSafe states that a fire involving a lithium-ion battery may result from excessive charge or the use of non-compliant or incompatible charging devices. Overheating a cell through exposure to heat or extreme temperatures, together with damage from dropping, crushing or piercing, can also trigger thermal runaway.

Simple steps to lower the risk

• Use only the charger and lead supplied with your device, and buy replacements that meet Australian standards.
• Keep devices out of direct sunlight and away from hot places such as a parked ute, dashboard or window ledge.
• Never leave e-bikes or e-scooters on charge overnight, in a hallway or beside an exit route.
• Treat swollen, punctured, hissing or overheating units as high risk, then move them clear of combustibles.
• Dispose of spent cells at a recognised recycling point — general waste bins are a high risk ignition source inside collection trucks and transfer stations.
• Inspect leads, plugs and casings before each use; anything cracked or frayed belongs out of service.

Risks climb sharply when unbranded or second-hand cells are paired with generic power supplies, so purchase from reputable suppliers and retain proof of compliance.

Documenting electrical controls

Organisations that store, charge or transport rechargeable equipment can formalise expectations with an Electrical Safety Policy, or adopt a complete Electrical, HVAC and Solar safety package covering inspection, isolation and emergency response.

We have previously reported on the safety warning issued after a lithium-ion battery exploded in the Territory, plus the newly implemented electrical safety regulations every Territorian should understand.

For more information, contact NT WorkSafe or visit the official NT WorkSafe website.