New campaign focuses on lithium-ion battery safety

Lithium-ion batteries are a major cause of fires across Western Australia, with firefighters responding to more than three battery-related incidents each week.

This winter, DFES has launched an advertising campaign to better inform Western Australians about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and how to buy, store and use them safely.

Lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives. They are found in a wide range of household and recreational products including e-scooters, e-bikes, power banks, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, cordless vacuums, cameras and even children’s toys.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said while lithium-ion battery technology had its benefits, there were also risks Western Australians needed to be aware of to stay safer.

“Through this campaign, DFES is encouraging the public to take some simple precautions when buying, storing and using products containing lithium-ion batteries,” he said.

Lithium-ion battery safety checklist:

• Only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers. Choosing quality products, rather than damaged or end-of-life second-hand items, is critical to reducing the risk of battery-related fires.
• Regularly check batteries (active batteries and not-in-use batteries in storage) for signs of physical damage or overheating.
• Avoid leaving batteries on charge for extended periods or unattended, particularly near flammable materials.
• Dispose of batteries correctly through appropriate recycling or disposal facilities.
• In the event of an incident, stay well clear and call 000 immediately. Lithium-ion battery fires can be explosive and include thermal runaway.

The campaign is running across the Perth Metropolitan area and Bunbury on a range of platforms. You can watch the 30-second YouTube video here.

Visit dfes.wa.gov.au/lithiumion