• 54% of businesses have experienced an incident, such as smoking, overheating or explosions, linked to lithium-ion batteries.
  • One in 5 (19%) businesses have experienced fires or explosions from lithium-ion batteries.
  • However, many of these businesses are not following safety measures, putting them at risk.

Aviva research suggests that more than half of businesses have experienced an issue linked to lithium-ion batteries, such as sparking, fires and explosions.

In a survey of 501 UK businesses, 54% of respondentsi had experienced an incident, with 36% reporting they had experienced a lithium-ion battery overheating. One in five businesses (19%) had experienced a device or battery sparking and 17% had experienced smoking. Alarmingly, around one in eight respondents had experienced fires (13%) or explosions (12%) in the workplace.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in rechargeable devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles. These batteries contain a mixture of chemicals that can present an increased risk of fire, typically due to incurred damage, manufacturing faults, user modifications or charging issues. This can lead to overheating – known as thermal runaway – and fire, which can be extremely volatile and difficult to extinguish. According to the London Fire Brigade there was a fire from a lithium-ion battery purely from e-bikes or e-scooters every two days in 2023 in London.ii

Research shows that, of those who have experienced an incident, around half of respondents are following this guidance, suggesting that many businesses are not prioritising safety around lithium-ion batteries. The Aviva survey data found that:

    • Just over half of businesses who had experienced an incident avoid overcharging (52%), use genuine compatible chargers (51%) or follow manufacturer guidelines when disposing of used or damaged lithium-ion batteries (56%).
    • Meanwhile fewer than half of respondents regularly maintain charging equipment (47%), ensure well-ventilated charging areas (46%), partner with or use certified recycling facilities (45%), have internal disposal protocols (44%) or charge on non-flammable surfaces (41%) – despite the fact they’d experienced an issue such as smoking, sparking or an explosion.
    • 93% of respondents who had experienced an incident have training in place, which is encouraging. However, only 41% train staff regularly on this issue, and 40% train occasionally.

Aviva has recommended a number of precautions when dealing with lithium-ion batteries, to reduce the risks associated:

  • Charge safely: Always charge batteries in a safe location, preferably outside or in a dedicated charging area away from combustible materials.
  • Supervise charging: Ensure that charging is supervised and only done when the premises are occupied.
  • Use proper equipment: Use proprietary charging cabinets or dedicated rooms to limit fire spread in case of an incident.
  • Regular inspections: Frequently inspect batteries for any signs of damage, unusual odours, swelling, or heat generation.
  • Replace batteries: Replace batteries regularly and before they reach their recommended end of life.
  • Emergency preparedness: Develop and train workers on an emergency plan to handle battery-related incidents.
  • Store safely: Store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Avoid overcharging: Do not overcharge batteries and follow manufacturer guidelines for charging times and conditions.
  • Handle with care: Handle batteries carefully to avoid physical damage, which can lead to thermal runaway.
  • Dispose properly: Dispose of batteries according to local regulations and guidelines to prevent environmental hazards.
  • Monitor temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of batteries during use and charging to prevent overheating.
  • Educate employees: Ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and proper handling procedures for lithium-ion batteries, with regular training.
References:
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 501 decision makers, working at companies that use lithium-ion batteries, aged 18+. The data was collected between 27.09.2024 and 01.10.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
i. Respondents who answered ‘None of the above’ or ‘N/A – I have never experienced an incident related to lithium-ion batteries at my place of work’ totals 46%
ii. London Fire Brigade: Lithium batteries safety

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This article was adapted from an article by Aviva which can be found here.