Sydney mum Kirsty Stead used to allow her son to charge his e-bike next to her in his room overnight.
Now that she knows what can happen, she wouldn’t do it even in her worst nightmares.
“I shudder to think how my son used to charge his bike in his bedroom every night before he went to sleep,” she said.
“I urge all parents to exercise caution and try to charge lithium-ion devices like e-bikes in safe areas. “Outside if possible.”
New data shows there have been a record 275 battery-related incidents so far this year, up from last year’s record number of 272.
That’s why in the lead up to Christmas, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is making sure parents know everything they can about lithium-ion batteries before buying a toy or any other electrical device, including one. Is, because they are more dangerous than you can imagine.
Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Over the years, you may have heard a story or two about e-bike and e-scooter fires that started with their lithium-ion batteries.
However, these devices aren’t the only things that contain lithium-ion batteries. They also usually come pre-installed in things like toys, drones, cameras, electric toothbrushes and portable speakers – and I dare say you have a few of these things on your shopping list for Christmas. .
So far in 2024, lithium-ion batteries in these types of devices have caused the majority of incidents compared to e-scooters and e-bikes, and although new safety standards are currently being implemented, it is most important that you , consumers are cautious.
Purchasing, Storage, and Disposal of Lithium-Ion Batteries
According to FRNSW, the first step to ensure you are safe with your lithium-ion batteries is to avoid cheap, inferior lithium-ion powered devices, or ‘mixing and matching’ components.
Instead, always buy reputable lithium-ion brands where possible.
Although charging these batteries is arguably the most important step, FRNSW encourages users to charge them near beds, couches or highly flammable materials, or leave them charging continuously or overnight to keep them from overheating.
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Futtrell said, “If these batteries are allowed to overheat, or become damaged or degraded, they could cause an explosive chain reaction.”
“These devices are powered by a series of batteries. If they enter that ‘thermal runaway’ process, they can spew a cloud of toxic gas inside your home and explode violently, resulting in a massive fire.
“When an unrelated fire occurs in a home and then lithium-ion battery devices burn, there is additional risk, which can intensify the fire and make it extremely difficult to extinguish.”
It is also incredibly important to dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly – especially if they are damaged or damaged.
“Please dispose of old lithium-ion batteries and embedded devices responsibly,” Futrell said.
“Do not throw them out with household garbage because they can cause intense, dangerous fires when they are crushed in garbage trucks and refuse tips.”
Instead, you can dispose of them at a range of dedicated recycling drop-off points, including many retail stores and supermarkets.
In New South Wales, products with embedded batteries such as electric toothbrushes or portable speakers can be safely disposed of at one of 21 community recycling centres.
stay safe this christmas
Of course, the Christmas time comes with many other fire risks – one of them being the lights you string around your house and tree.
Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already done so, check that all your decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order and have the Australian Standards label. Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).
Be careful not to overload power boards or plug them into each other, as this can also pose a real fire safety risk, and be sure to turn everything off before sleeping.
stay safe this christmas
Of course, the Christmas time comes with many other fire risks – one of them being the lights you string around your house and tree.
Before you start decorating, if you haven’t already done so, check that all your decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order and have the Australian Standards label.
Then, you can set them up (following the manufacturer’s instructions, of course).
Be careful not to overload power boards or plug them into each other, as this can also pose a real fire safety risk, and be sure to turn everything off before sleeping.
Finally, make sure you keep all of your lights as far away from children and flammable materials as possible, such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains, as they can get very hot!
“Checking lights and other decorations is a simple but effective way to prevent home fires this holiday season,” Futrell said.
“Don’t ruin your Christmas by going to the hospital because of accidents at home that can be easily prevented.”
