A cause of many media news headlines, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular, due to their compact size and capability to store substantial amounts of energy; ideal for laptops, mobiles and consumer products. With this increase of use, we are seeing an escalation of fires as a result of among others, poor storage, incorrect charging, or battery damage.
25% of adults are unsure
Graham Turner, Managing Director at Bryland Fire Protection Limited explains, ‘In July of this year, it was announced that three times more fires were caused by batteries in waste streams than previously reported. 90% of Local Authorities researched stated that battery fires are an increasing problem, while 25% of adults are unsure what to do with small electricals with built-in chargeable batteries. It’s a huge concern across our customer base.’
Education of responsible disposal is key but is only one part in the complex challenge facing many commercial, industrial, and leisure businesses.
Turner continues, ‘For over 50 years we have been supplying quality fire protection products to our UK wide customers. We always move with the times, particularly now regarding lithium-ion batteries. Education to prevent the risk of fire is important, but if they should occur, we want to give our customers that peace of mind, that they have the right equipment on hand to put it out fast.’
Twice as effective as water
The Firechief extinguishers, range in size from compact 500ml up to 50 litres. Containing an eco-friendly agent, Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), they are nearly twice as effective as water, and prevent propagation of the fire.
The products have been thoughtfully designed and not just suitable for the more obvious waste and recycling centres. Schools, hotels, data centres and commercial premises that use lithium -ion batteries in everyday activities can benefit too.
