WorkSafe warns about fire risks of lithium-ion batteries

WorkSafe warns about fire risks of lithium-ion batteries, urging organisations to review how this equipment is used, stored and charged across their sites. Lithium-ion batteries of all sizes can catch fire, and the resulting blaze often proves difficult to extinguish.

WorkSafe Victoria has issued guidance highlighting these hazards after noting the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in everyday products. Given how common this equipment has become in Australian workplaces, understanding proper handling practices matters more than ever for safety professionals.

Where Lithium-ion Batteries Are Found

Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of products including power tools, scooters, forklifts and electric vehicles among others. WorkSafe Victoria notes this equipment "may be used, stored or charged in a workplace or an area under the management and control of an organisation."

Because these products appear in so many settings, from warehouses to healthcare facilities, safety teams need clear protocols covering every piece of battery-operated equipment on site.

Understanding the Fire Risks

Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if exposed to excessive heat. According to WorkSafe Victoria, "the fire is often hard to put out and the smoke from the fire can be toxic."

This combination of intense heat, toxic smoke and rapid escalation makes lithium-ion battery fires a serious safety concern for any organisation storing or charging this equipment. Damaged or poorly maintained batteries pose an even greater hazard, since compromised cells are more likely to overheat and fail.

Key Hazards to Monitor

• Exposure to excessive heat sources near charging equipment
• Use of non-approved or damaged chargers
• Poor ventilation in storage and charging areas
• Physical damage to battery casings from drops or impacts

Recommended Safety Controls

WorkSafe recommends several practical measures to reduce fire hazards linked to lithium-ion battery equipment. Approved chargers should always be used, and access to charging areas ought to be restricted to trained personnel only.

Effective handling of this equipment also involves regular inspection routines, proper storage away from flammable materials and clear signage in charging zones. Consistent handling practices, paired with strong electrical safety awareness, form the backbone of any battery safety program.

Employers seeking to build broader electrical safety frameworks may find it useful to review guidance on electrical risks in ceiling spaces and dangers of poorly installed DC isolators, both of which highlight similar electrical hazards requiring proactive equipment management.

Why This Matters for Workplace Health and Safety

Fire outbreaks involving lithium-ion equipment threaten not only property but also worker health and wellbeing through smoke inhalation risks. A single workplace incident involving damaged equipment can escalate quickly, so prevention remains far more effective than response.

Organisations across construction, manufacturing and healthcare sectors rely on this type of equipment daily, making battery safety protocols essential rather than optional. Reviewing storage conditions, charging equipment and staff training regularly helps maintain a safer working environment for everyone involved.

For related guidance on managing other workplace hazards, see WorkSafe's warning on dangers of ozone exposure, which outlines further health considerations organisations should factor into broader safety planning.

Supporting Fire Safety Equipment and Resources

Alongside battery-specific controls, businesses should maintain robust fire response equipment and procedures. Resources such as fire extinguisher use instructions and a documented fire fighting equipment procedure support faster, safer responses if a battery fire does occur.

Organisations in high-risk sectors may also benefit from exploring dedicated fire services safety packages, which bundle essential documentation for managing fire-related hazards across a site.

Read more here.