The ACCC plans to release a study on consumer product safety issues associated with lithium-ion batteries next month and is calling for national regulation on extra-low voltage products such as lithium-ion batteries.
UNSW electrical engineering expert Dr Matthew Priestley said consumers needed to be wary of poorly made lithium-ion batteries found in knock-off or cheap products.
“There is a counterfeit regime of batteries,particularly for things like power tools and consumer electronic goods. Overseas companies will try and manufacture the product to look quite similar to a reputable brand,but they’ll do it in a cost-effective way. Generally,that’s by cutting corners with safety,” he said. “[People] don’t realise how unsafe a poorly manufactured lithium-ion battery can be.”
Lithium-ion batteries catch fire by overheating. While quality products,such as phones,have switch-off systems once the battery gets too hot,others don’t.
“As the battery reaches this temperature,it enters what we call thermal runaway … the temperature becomes self-sustaining and just continues to heat up to greater and greater temperatures until a battery fire comes,” Priestley said.
It’s not just the fire risk that’s a concern,but the toxic emissions the batteries release,which look like steam or vapour.
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Priestley said if it reaches that stage,the safest thing to do is leave the house and call emergency services.
Fire and Rescue NSW is leading a research program to examine best practice fire brigade response to lithium-ion battery-related fires and end-of-life lithium-ion battery hazard management,while UNSW is developing a short course aiming to educate tradespeople,the public,and other key stakeholders about the risks associated with high-energy battery systems.
Fire and Rescue NSW warned that the “highly flammable” batteries can catch fire when overcharged,or using non-compliant charging equipment;exposing them to extreme temperatures;damaging the product by dropping it,or exposing it to vibrations;and due to system faults and defects.