Expert calls for more education around dangers of lithium ion batteries after fatal Bristol fire
A man died and eight were hospitalised after an e-bike on charge malfunctioned in an Easton tower block
Last updated 29th Sep 2022
There needs to be much better education around the dangers of Lithium ion batteries, after a fire caused by one in a Bristol tower block killed a man and left eight others in hospital.
That's what an expert has told us, after Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze at Twinnell House in Easton was started by an e-bike malfunctioning while on charge.
Lithium ion batteries can be found in all sorts of devices including smart phones, e-scooters and electric cars as well as e-bikes.
While disasters are rare, Paul Christensen, who is a professor of electrochemistry at Newcastle University tells us they can catch fire and even explode in certain circumstances.
He also advises the National Fire Chiefs Council on the dangers of the batteries.
"The simple fact is that a lithium ion battery stores a very large amount of energy in a very small space, and anything that does that, for example petrol in a petrol tank, if that energy gets out in an uncontrolled fashion or if you abuse it in some way, essentially you're in trouble," he told us.
"If we focus down on e-scooters and e-bikes then, e-scooters can take a lot of hammering.
"If you, for example, do bunny hops of the kerb and off seats and things, walls, that crushes the battery case...but what also seems to be happening is what's called overcharge."
What is overcharge?
Professor Chistensen explains that all lithium ion batteries should feature a battery management system (BMS); a piece of software that disconnects the battery from its charger once it is fully charged.
Devices including smart phones, he says, all feature a BMS.
However, he says that occasionally, the software can fail.
"Overcharging is very bad news because that then causes something called lithium metal to plate on one of the electrodes and eventually that will cause fire...or even explosion."
More education is needed
Used correctly professor Chistensen says lithium ion batteries have got a "massive and major role to play" in decarbonising the world.
However, he says they have become prolific in our society so quickly that people do not understand how to treat them properly.
"There have been 22 deaths involving what's called micro-mobility devices, e-scooters, e-bikes etcetera since March of this year across the world and 48 injuries," he said.
"In my view these are entirely avoidable.
"let's face it, a normal scooter will not burst into flames, but an e-scooter has the potential (to)."
Crucial information for e-scooter/e-bike owners
Baring the above in mind, professor Christensen says anyone who owns an e-scooter or e-bike should not store them in their home.
"You most certainly do not charge it indoors," he said.
"If you have to charge it indoors, for example if you do live in a flat, then only charge it when you are awake and present.
"In real terms the numbers (of accidents) are very small, but the consequences of failure can be horrendous, as we have very sadly seen in the last few days."
Education
Professor Christensen travels all around the world educating firefighters and other stakeholders of the dangers of lithium ion batteries and how to avoid disasters.
He tells us he began that work after concluding the government was not doing enough to push the message.
"There is a massive responsibility on the government of this country to start just such an education campaign," he said.
"We are already losing more than £160 million per year due to fires in recycling facilities in this country, due to the disposal of small lithium ion batteries.
"In America the numbers are even higher and indeed such fires have resulted in injury and even death.
"We need to educate all stakeholders, we need to educate the public about e-bikes, e-scooters.
"We need to educate them not to put their lithium batteries in the mixed recycling or indeed to throw them in the rubbish, but to take them to the banks at their local recycling facility.
"Simple things can save lives."