The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a warning on the use of lithium-ion batteries.
Commissioner for Fire and Emergency Services, Darren Klemm said rechargeable lithium-ion batteries were found in electrical devices such as phones, computers and remote control cars as well as gardening and home improvement tools such as whipper snippers and drills.
“With more and more people self-isolating we expect renovation, gardening and other working-from-home activities, which use equipment powered by these batteries, to increase,” Commissioner Klemm said.
“Lithium-ion batteries are typically charged in areas such as garages, sheds and patios that do not have smoke alarms fitted.”
He said this could result in a fire going undetected for some time.
He said the number of house fires started by lithium-ion batteries continued to rise, with 11 this financial year compared to seven in 2018-19.
The Department has joined with Building and Energy WA to warn that an increase in the use of lithium-ion batteries expected over the next few weeks and months could result in a surge of preventable blazes.
Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan said consumers should not use batteries showing signs of swelling, overheating or damage.
“The charger and battery must be correctly matched electrically and comply with Australian standards, so it is vital to only use the charging equipment supplied with the device or purchased from a reputable retailer,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
He said consumers should look for a regulatory compliance mark, such as a tick inside a triangle, or go to www.eess.gov.au to check whether the charger was approved for use in Australia.
