Firefighters urging people to take care of rechargeable batteries
As people unwrap new devices across Scotland, SFRS is asking them to check the batteries
As families across Scotland open their Christmas presents, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is urging them take precautions with rechargeable batteries in any new devices.
Figures from the SFRS show last year there were 26 fires involving rechargeable batteries – a jump from just three in 2018.
The service is warning the lithium-ion batteries in devices like vapes, laptops, and e-bikes can catch fire, or even explode, if they are damaged, faulty, or improperly used.
Assistant chief safety officer Jon Henderson wants people to take care with new devices.
"Don't charge them in exit routes"
He said: “Absolutely make sure that we use reputable dealers when we’re buying them in the first instance, make sure that the chargers are approved, don’t charge those types of equipment overnight, don’t charge them in the exit routes or escape routes for fires, and don’t leave them charging beyond when they’re fully charged.”
Rechargeable batteries also pose a significant fire risk if they are binned instead of being recycled.
These batteries can become crushed or damaged in bin lorries or waste sites which can lead to fires.
Mr Henderson added: “If there’s any concerns do not use them, be sensible with your charging.
“If there is any sign of a fire, or there is sign of a battery smoking or faulty, get out of the property, don’t try to tackle the fire, just get out of the property and dial 999, and stay out.”
"Don't try to tackle the fire, just get out the property and dial 999"
Firefighters are urging people to follow safety advice for rechargeable products, such as how to charge safely and how to spot a damaged battery before recycling it.
Mr Henderson finished: “Especially with the larger batteries for the scooters, the e-bikes, those types of things, if there is any problems, if have any faults, they can go quite quickly.
“They can be fairly catastrophic in how severe the fires can be, so don’t try and tackle it, don’t try and do anything about it yourself, just get out of the house.”
Watch Commander Kevin Ketchen, who attended a fire caused by an electric scooter battery in West Lothian last year, said: “When we arrived at the scene, the battery had exploded and was producing extreme heat and a thick flammable gas.
"Don't charge those types of equipment overnight"
“There’s no doubt that it’s a frightening experience for those involved. We would ask people to ensure they have smoke detectors in place at home and never charge these items in escape routes like hallways or in bedrooms.”
Backing the campaign is Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who said: “The rise in accidental fires in the home linked to electronic devices with rechargeable batteries is concerning and I welcome the updated safety advice and guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service which sets out how to safely use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries.
“As these batteries can be found in many household items, it is vital that these are used, charged and stored carefully and safely. I urge everyone to be aware of the risks and if you ever see smoke or flames coming from a battery or device, never tackle it yourself: get out, stay out and call 999.”
Zero Waste Scotland has advice on the best methods to dispose of batteries.
Recycling advice
Paul Doherty, Recycling Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It’s so important that products like batteries are disposed of responsibly; it’s a must to help protect the environment, but it’s also vital for the safety of our families, neighbours, and waste and recycling personnel that handle the goods we throw away from our homes.
“Batteries and vapes should never be disposed of in general waste to avoid the risk of fire and contamination if they leak. Instead, batteries and single-use vapes should be deposited for recycling either at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), or at in-store recycling receptacles found in any shop that sells these items regularly.”