Lithium-Ion Safety Matters: Why Your Fire Risk Assessments Need an Update
Let’s be honest: when you walk into your office on a Monday morning, you’re probably thinking about that first cup of coffee or the mountain of emails waiting for you. You aren’t looking at your colleague’s e-bike leaning against the wall or your laptop charger and thinking, "Is that a potential fireball?"
But here’s the reality: it might be.
At Sorrell Ltd, we’ve seen building trends come and go, but the explosion (pun intended) of lithium-ion batteries in the workplace is one of the most significant shifts in fire safety we’ve encountered in years. From the smartphones in our pockets to the electric scooters tucked under desks, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere. They are convenient, powerful, and: if not managed correctly: incredibly dangerous.
If your current Fire Risk assessments look like they were written in 2015, you’re not just behind the times; you’re potentially out of compliance and at risk. It’s time to stop treating these batteries like benign consumer goods and start treating them like the hazardous energy storage units they are.
The "Spicy Pillow" Problem: What’s Actually Happening?
You might have heard the term "thermal runaway" tossed around by fire safety experts or seen a viral video of a phone smoking on a plane. In the world of commercial property maintenance, this is our biggest nightmare.
Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chemical reaction. When a lithium-ion battery is damaged, overcharged, or subjected to extreme heat, it can enter a state where the temperature rises uncontrollably. This releases toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, which can ignite with terrifying intensity.
The kicker? These fires create their own oxygen supply as they burn. This means traditional fire extinguishing methods are often about as effective as bringing a water pistol to a volcanic eruption. Standard sprinkler systems and basic foam extinguishers simply aren't designed to contain a Li-ion fire.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (And They’re A Bit Scary)
If you think we’re being dramatic, the data suggests otherwise. In major cities across the globe, battery-related fire incidents are skyrocketing. London, for example, saw a staggering 500% increase in lithium battery-related fires between 2019 and 2025. We’re talking about moving from a handful of incidents to over 500 in just a few years.
Toronto reported a 162% increase in just two years. This isn't a "could happen" scenario; it's a "happening right now" scenario. As a business owner or property manager, these stats should be a loud wake-up call. Your building maintenance services need to be as modern as the technology your team uses.
Why Your Current Fire Risk Assessment Is Likely Failing
Most Fire Risk assessments focus on the "old school" risks: frayed carpet that might trip someone, paper storage near a heater, or testing the fire doors (which we also do, by the way: check out our post on why checking the box isn't enough).
However, many standard assessments fail to account for:
Charging Hazards: Are employees charging e-bikes in communal hallways or, heaven forbid, blocking fire exits?
Incompatible Tech: The rise of "third-party" cheap chargers from the internet is a major cause of failure.
Physical Damage: In a busy workplace, tools and laptops get dropped. A dented battery is a ticking time bomb.
The "Aftermath" Risk: Even after a Li-ion fire appears to be out, they are notorious for re-igniting hours or even days later.
If your assessment doesn't specifically address these "hazardous energy storage units," it is fundamentally incomplete. Fire compliance isn't just about having a certificate on the wall; it's about meticulously identifying these new-age threats.
The Sorrell Ltd Approach: Beyond the Checklist
At Sorrell Ltd, we believe that commercial property maintenance should be proactive, not reactive. You shouldn't wait for a "spicy pillow" (that’s the technical-ish term for a swollen, failing battery) to start smoking before you take action.
When we look at Fire Compliance, we evaluate the entire building fabric. This includes ensuring that your fire-stopping measures are up to scratch. If a battery does go into thermal runaway in an office, you need to know that your fire-rated walls and doors will actually do their job and contain the smoke and heat long enough for everyone to get out.
It is your responsibility as a property owner or manager to ensure these risks are managed. It is not optional. It is a matter of legal and moral duty.
Practical Steps for Your Workplace
So, what should you be doing right now? Aside from calling us to handle your next comprehensive assessment, here are a few things to implement:
Establish a Charging Policy: Prohibit the charging of e-bikes or e-scooters inside the main office space, especially near exits or in corridors.
Designated Storage: If your team uses battery-powered tools, invest in fire-rated storage cabinets.
Visual Checks: Encourage staff to report any batteries that are swelling, getting unusually hot, or making hissing sounds.
Update Your FRA: Ensure your next Fire Risk Assessment specifically mentions lithium-ion battery storage and charging.
Integrity in Maintenance
We take building safety seriously. Whether it’s becoming Flexitec accredited for high-performance roofing or meticulously inspecting fire dampers, our goal is to give you peace of mind.
The shift to green energy: e-bikes and electric vehicles: is a positive step for the planet, but it requires a shift in how we think about safety. Your building maintenance services must evolve alongside your technology.
Don't let your business become a statistic. A fire doesn't just damage property; it shatters the sense of security your employees feel at work. It interrupts business continuity and can lead to massive legal headaches if your assessments are found wanting.
Conclusion: Don't Wait for the Smoke
Lithium-ion safety is no longer a niche concern for tech geeks; it is a fundamental pillar of modern commercial property maintenance. The intensity of these fires and the speed at which they escalate means you have zero margin for error.
At Sorrell Ltd, we have the expertise to help you navigate these complex requirements. We don't just "check boxes"; we thoroughly evaluate your premises to ensure your Fire Compliance is robust enough to handle the reality of 2026 and beyond.
Ready to bring your fire safety into the modern age? Whether you need a full building audit or a specific update to your fire strategies, our team is here to help. Safeguarding your assets and your people isn't just our job: it's our dedication.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and maybe keep an eye on that vibrating laptop charger.
For more information on our full range of services, visit our services page or get in touch with us directly at Sorrell Ltd.
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