Burnt batteries were found by investigators following a fire at Canberra’s Hume recycling facility in 2023. Photo: ACTFR report.
The Coroners Court of NSW will hold an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. So far, there have been more than 275 lithium-ion battery fires in NSW in 2024 alone, resulting in 876 evacuations, 26 injuries, and for the first time in the state, two deaths, resulting from a fire at Teralba in March.
Lithium and lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide variety of domestic applications, from electric cars, e-bikes and e-scooters, and home energy storage systems at one end of the scale, to cordless vacuum cleaners and small electronics such as electric toothbrushes, shavers, and even vapes.
Fire and Rescue NSW says most battery fires are caused by e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and smaller household items.
After recent fatalities resulting from lithium battery fires, the Coroners Court is now investigating multiple reports of fires and is working with Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police to monitor what it describes as an “emerging issue”.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said her role was to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths, fires and explosions, and recommend changes that could stop tragic mistakes from being repeated.
“We have seen a recent trend of fires being caused by items containing lithium-ion batteries, including e-bikes and e-scooters,” she said. ”Sadly, these fires have resulted in lives being lost.
“At this time of year, when people are buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, I would urge everyone to follow the safety advice on lithium-ion batteries.
“Make sure you only buy products that comply with the Australian standard. Use an approved charger, charge while you’re at home and awake, and unplug when the battery is full.
“Store lithium battery devices away from exits and sleeping areas so you have time to escape if a fire does start.
“Know the signs to look out for: if there is a strange odour, vapour, smoke, or a strange sound coming from a lithium battery-powered device, get out and call triple zero.”
The Coroners Court says one of its key roles is to examine unnatural and unexpected deaths, as well as fires and explosions that cause serious injury or damage to property. It says a coroner can make recommendations on any practices, policies or laws that could be changed to prevent future tragedies.
To this end, the inquest into lithium battery fires will examine whether any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future.
A new lithium-ion battery safety campaign has been launched, and the State Government has reiterated several basic safety tips for the use of lithium batteries to help reduce the risk of fire.
These include: don’t sleep or leave home while lithium battery-powered devices are charging, don’t leave devices on constant charge, responsibly dispose of damaged or compromised batteries, don’t charge devices on flammable surfaces such as beds or sofas, buy reputable brands, only use compatible batteries and chargers, and beware of cheap or substandard lithium battery-powered devices.
The government also says consumers should: avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells; store batteries and devices in a cool and dry area; install active smoke alarms in homes and garages; have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire; and avoid storing or charging lithium-powered devices near emergency exit points.
