The use and storage of rechargeable devices is commonplace in today’s technology-driven learning environments. Bruce Robins, director at fire trade supplier CheckFire, highlights the unique fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries contained in these devices, and explores the proactive approach required to protect staff and students, and ensure legal compliance.
In today’s digitally connected classrooms, the integration of lithium-ion battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, has revolutionised how students learn and communicate. Yet behind this digital convenience lies a growing and often overlooked threat, and it would appear that many remain largely unaware of the potentially devastating dangers these items pose if not handled correctly.
When manufactured and used safely and correctly, lithium-ion batteries are not dangerous. However, if the battery somehow gets damaged, by overcharging, malfunction or overheating, for example, they pose a significant fire risk.
Lithium-ion battery fires are fast, intense, and difficult to extinguish. For schools – where safety is imperative and fires can have catastrophic impact on the entire community – this requires a proactive approach to help combat the threat. As educational environments become increasingly dependent on rechargeable devices, those responsible for fire safety must not only understand the risks of lithium-ion battery-powered devices, but also know how to mitigate them and ensure the right tools are in place to handle these unique fires.
The unique fire risk of lithium-ion batteries
In schools, colleges, and universities, the use of lithium-ion battery-powered devices is widespread. These batteries are found in laptops, tablets, mobile phones, e-readers, and smartwatches, as well as e-bikes, e-scooters, and vapes. Yet, many remain unaware of their dangers if they’re not maintained or handled correctly. UK fire brigades now attend at least three lithium-ion battery fires a day, according to insurance company QBE. It found that reports of fires related to lithium-ion batteries surged by 93% between 2022 and 2024 – a shocking statistic that underscores a pressing need for the education sector to be fully informed and adequately prepared to address these fires.
Unlike typical fires, involving paper, wood, or textiles in the school setting, for example, lithium-ion battery fires are chemically driven. However, the core danger here lies in a phenomenon called thermal runaway, which is an uncontrollable, self-heating state that occurs when a battery cell becomes damaged due to overheating, manufacturing defects, overcharging, or improper storage. Once a battery temperature reaches 60°C and above, it triggers a chain reaction of events leading to difficult-to-extinguish fires that release toxic gas and smoke. The explosive and self-sustaining nature of this type of fire can cause rapid thermal runaway in otherwise undamaged cells, bringing in the risk of collateral fires that can spread to surrounding areas. It must also be understood that, as with all fires, there is a danger of reignition when the fire is thought to have been properly extinguished.
In the densely populated environment of an educational setting, where dozens, if not hundreds, of devices may be in use or charging simultaneously in classrooms, offices, and breakout areas, this risk is compounded. Lithium-ion battery fires can erupt without warning and are incredibly difficult to control with fire extinguishers traditionally found in this setting that teachers and staff will be familiar with – that is; water fire extinguishers (for paper and wood fires), foam fire extinguishers (for flammable liquid fires), and CO2 fire extinguishers (for electrical fires), which are all prominent risks in this environment. This necessitates the importance of educating all in authority and ensuring a proactive approach to managing and mitigating the unique fire risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
Legal responsibilities and how to ensure compliance
In England and Wales, fire safety in educational institutions is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). This legislation places the legal duty on the “responsible person” (typically the headteacher, governing body, or facilities manager) to ensure the premises are safe from fire risks, including emerging threats like those from lithium-ion batteries, and that every reasonable step is taken to reduce the risk of fire. Recently updated guidance now stipulates that lithium-ion batteries should be considered in all fire risk assessments – high-risk environments like schools must ensure safety protocols are updated accordingly.
A crucial requirement of the legislation entails the responsible person to oversee a fire risk assessment, assigned to a trustworthy fire safety expert (deemed a “competent person”) and ensuring the inclusion of all lithium-ion battery-powered devices. The fire risk assessment must be subject to regular review, particularly following any changes made to the building, when curriculum activities are adjusted, or if usage of technology or rechargeable devices is in any way altered, for example.
The purpose of the fire risk assessment is to identify fire hazards found around the premises, ascertaining who in particular is at risk, and implementing preventative and protective measures tailored to these specific risks. The degree to which batteries are used, stored, handled, and charged will differ across locations (classrooms, staffrooms, design technology labs, ICT rooms, or outdoor e-bike storage for example), requiring fire safety measures tailored to the specific fire risk present in the environment.
It is imperative that all with the responsibility of fire safety in an educational setting understand the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires – chiefly because they should be handled differently to a ‘typical’ fire. The type of fire extinguisher required to be installed in an environment is determined by the specific fire risk present, as detailed in the fire risk assessment. Due to its explosive nature, a lithium-ion battery fire must be tackled with a specialised fire extinguisher, specifically designed to quickly put out flames, break down the chain reaction of thermal runaway, absorb heat, and protect from secondary Class A fires.
Additionally, to ensure compliance with regulations, all fire safety systems and fire extinguishers installed must be well maintained and kept in good working order to ensure they are fit for purpose in the event of a fire; including an annual service by a qualified fire safety engineer to ensure compliance with British Standards.
Mitigating the growing risks in an educational setting
As is the case with any fire safety plan, lithium-ion battery risks can be catered for with a targeted, informed, and clearly communicated approach to fire safety, building usage, and behavioural adjustments. By making sure there is as little chance as possible for thermal runaway to happen, schools can mitigate the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
Consider the following to ensure the strict management of lithium-ion battery procurement, charging, storage, and disposal:
- Regular inspection of devices. Conduct visual checks for damage to the device, swollen batteries, and cracks, ensuring to replace the device when required.
- Promote safe charging practices. Unplug devices at the end of the academic day, avoid stacking them when charging, only use manufacturer-approved chargers, and avoid charging overnight or for extended periods of time.
- Be mindful of temperatures. Ensure devices are not exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. If they are not in use, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Dispose of batteries safely. Old or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at approved recycling centres – they should never be put in the bin or incinerated.
- Install lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. In the event of a fire of this nature, traditional fire extinguishers are ineffective. Specialist fire extinguishers, developed specifically for lithium-ion battery fires, should be installed accordingly for peace of mind.
- Educate staff and students on proper usage. Ensure all users of the building are appropriately informed on the proper usage, charging, and storage of devices containing lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that policies are clearly communicated, and that all are aware of the correct procedure for the reporting of damaged or unsafe-seeming equipment.
The evolving risks: a need for collaboration and education
Enforcement of the RRFSO is typically the responsibility of local fire and rescue authorities. They will conduct inspections, identify improvement areas for compliance, issue enforcement notices, and work with educational institutions to enhance fire safety procedures. For this reason, collaboration with local fire services and other fire safety experts is essential if schools are to keep abreast of the evolving challenges in lithium-ion battery fire risks and adhere to the latest stringent safety standards and regulations.
With ongoing partnership, schools can continually refine fire safety protocols and be confident they are acting on best practices for fire prevention and response, and remain aligned with the latest RRFSO updates. Fire safety experts can also provide immense value to fire safety plans, whether offering guidance on specific lithium-ion risks unique to campus layout and usage pattern or advising on fire drills with a lithium-ion battery fire focus. It’s imperative that headteachers, governing bodies, and facilities teams shift to a proactive fire safety culture to protect people and property while meeting all legal compliance requirements.
Lithium-ion battery fires are not a hypothetical threat. This unique fire risk is very much here and is a growing concern – with fires now occurring on a more-frequent-than-daily basis – underlining the necessity for schools, colleges, and universities to take action. As the use of lithium-ion batteries in the setting becomes more commonplace, the need for greater awareness increases too. Responsible persons must consider safe and proper handling of lithium-ion battery-powered devices as a priority. Improved understanding, the correct fire safety equipment, clear protocols, and expert support will go a long way to a more proactive approach to lithium-ion battery fire safety and reduce the risk of thermal runaway. But more than this, the true safeguarding of students and staff depends on it.
