Lithium Battery Fire Risk: What You Need to Know

E-bikes and e-scooters are now common across offices, apartment blocks and workplaces in Northern Ireland – and so are the fires linked to lithium batteries. These fires behave differently from traditional fires, spreading rapidly, producing toxic gases and blocking escape routes within seconds.

Here’s what responsible persons, landlords and building managers need to know.

1. Why These Fires Are So Dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries can fail through damage, incorrect charging, poor-quality chargers or modifications. When they enter “thermal runaway”, they produce:

• fast-growing flames
• intense localised heat
• toxic gases (carbon monoxide & hydrogen cyanide)
• smoke that can appear like harmless steam

In corridors and stairwells, this can quickly make escape impossible.

2. Don’t block escape routes

No e-bikes or e-scooters should be stored or charged in escape routes, including:

• corridors
• stairways
• lobbies
• riser cupboards
• electrical intake rooms
• under-stair spaces
• external balconies

These areas must remain free of combustibles at all times.

3. If Charging on Site Is Necessary

Some workplaces and residential complexes may need designated charging areas. Guidance recommends that these spaces should ideally:

• be on ground level with direct external access
• be separated by fire-resistant construction
• contain automatic smoke detection
• include ventilation/AOVs to release toxic gases
• provide localised suppression where appropriate
• have an external electrical isolation switch
• never be the only route of escape

4. Fire Risk Assessment Requirements

Your Fire Risk Assessment should now specifically consider:

• the presence of EPPVs on the premises
• where tenants or employees are charging devices
• use of incorrect chargers or extension leads
• proximity to ignition sources or gas services
• whether alternative charging arrangements are needed

If tenants or staff are breaching safety rules, dutyholders must act.

5. Best Practice for Users

Everyone using e-bikes and e-scooters should:

• only use the manufacturer-approved charger
• never charge overnight or unattended
• stop using damaged, swollen or overheating batteries
• charge on a non-combustible surface
• buy from reputable suppliers – no DIY conversions

6. How Diamond Systems Can Help

We support responsible persons and building owners with:

• Fire Risk Assessment updates
• Fire detection and alarm installation and maintenance
• Fire Warden Training
• Lithium-battery extinguishing solutions

Lithium-battery fires are one of the fastest-growing safety risks in NI buildings. For more information on your responsibilities for fire safety under Northern Ireland legislation, visit the NIFRS website. London Fire Brigade also have a guidance note specifically on this risk. With our extensive experience, Diamond Systems can help you stay compliant – and keep people safe. Get in touch if we can help.