Engineering experts have expressed concerns about the lack of public education and training on battery safety, specifically related to lithium batteries. There has been an increase in lithium-related fires in Australia, causing worries about the safety of electronic devices and vehicles equipped with rechargeable batteries. One notable incident occurred at a Tesla lithium battery storage facility in Queensland, where a fire destroyed a battery unit and released toxic gases into the environment. In another incident, a fire caused by lithium battery ignition destroyed five cars near Sydney Airport. These incidents highlight the need for more awareness and precautions regarding lithium battery safety.
Matthew Priestley, an expert from the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of New South Wales, emphasized the importance of educating the public about lithium battery risks. In response to the lack of available information, Mr. Priestley and his team are developing a training course for the general public, which will be launched early next year. The course aims to educate individuals about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and how to handle them safely.
Mr. Priestley also highlighted several battery safety issues that people may not be aware of. For instance, improper disposal of lithium batteries, especially when they are placed together in a bin, can lead to short-circuits and potentially large fires. Therefore, individuals should take caution when disposing of batteries and ensure that the terminals are taped to prevent any connection.
In addition, Mr. Priestley advised against charging devices overnight, as this may increase the risk of battery-related incidents. He also cautioned against using cheap charging devices that may have substandard battery management systems or no safeguards at all.
Furthermore, Mr. Priestley emphasized the importance of not attempting to fight lithium battery fires. These fires can be challenging to extinguish due to rapidly increasing temperatures, and there’s a possibility of the fire reigniting even after being put out. In such cases, it is recommended to evacuate the area and call emergency services, as they are trained to handle these types of fires.
Lastly, the expert suggested that the government should implement stricter regulations on the safety standards of lithium battery devices, particularly in sectors where the risk of battery issues is higher, such as mobility, tools, and consumer goods. By addressing these issues and enhancing public education, it is hoped that the safety of lithium batteries can be improved, reducing the occurrence of related fires and hazards.