Lithium Battery Safety Edition

What is the lithium-ion battery safety bill?

Electrical Safety First welcomed the government’s proposals. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery and are used in a wide range of electrical devices worldwide. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill would provide for regulations concerning the safe storage, use and disposal of such batteries in the UK.

Are lithium-ion batteries safe for e-bikes?

At least 10 fatalities occurred in fires started in e-bikes or e-scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries in the UK in 2023, with almost 200 fires recorded. These statutory guidelines set out the safety mechanisms that lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes must contain to address the risk of thermal runaway.

What are the most common product safety tests for lithium-ion batteries?

The most common product safety tests for lithium-ion batteries are typically intended to assess specific risk from electrical, mechanical and environmental conditions. With minor exceptions, all of the above mentioned standards and testing protocols incorporate these common abuse tests.

What is ul doing to improve lithium-ion battery safety?

UL and other research organizations are contributing to battery safety research with a focus on internal short circuit failures in lithium-ion batteries. The research is directed toward improving safety standards for lithium-ion batteries.

What are the OSHA standards for lithium-ion batteries?

While there is not a specific OSHA standard for lithium-ion batteries, many of the OSHA general industry standards may apply, as well as the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). These include, but are not limited to the following standards:

Are lithium ion batteries safe?

Lithium-ion batteries are designed with integrated safety devices that open the external electrical load in the event of an over-current condition, or relieve excessive pressure build-up in the cell. However, these safety devices are unable to mitigate all internal cell fault situations, such as an internal short circuit.