As we all know, many of our everyday household items have become automated, thanks to the modern invention of the lithium-ion battery.

From cordless vacuum cleaners that charge quickly and can run for hours, to electric bikes and scooters, laptops, and power tools, lithium-ion batteries are present in many of our most-used appliances.

And while these small-but-mighty power sources are usually great when you keep them maintained and charged correctly, just one tiny, faulty rechargeable lithium-ion battery can cause a whole house to go up into flames.

The pertinent warning issued comes following the unfortunate experience of one man in Mandurah, south of Perth, who was left devastated when his house burned down as a result of such a battery.

Jeff Nice had stored an old e-bike battery in the garage, and left it on charge when a fiendishly intense fire blazed through his roof and caused devastating destruction.

A fire started by a lithium battery ravaged Jeff's house. Credit: Jeff Nice (Supplied).

'I never realised the extent of how dangerous lithium batteries could be if you're not proactive,' he recalled.

'By the time we got out and over the gate, the roof was collapsing.'

'It just absolutely destroyed everything inside.'

'As soon as I knew there was a fire in the garage, I knew exactly what it was. I certainly knew it was the battery.'

Sadly, Jeff's story isn't an isolated one – the same thing has occurred in households throughout Western Australia.

'There are many, many more [fires] that we haven't been able to prove are lithium-ion related but we suspect that they are,' said Peter Jones, Manager of the Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Experts warned that the batteries release poisonous gas once they start burning. Credit: Pexels/Hilary Halliwell.

Based on their research, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services believes unstable lithium-ion batteries have been responsible for between 50 and 60 structure fires this year alone - and that number is still on the rise.

When these batteries fail or overcharge, they heat up quickly and shoot fire and hot debris up to 10 metres away, making them incredibly hard to put out.

The toxic gases that are also released can make it even more dangerous, not to mention the extreme damage it causes to the home and its content.

Mr Jones continued: 'People don't really understand the risk until they've been exposed to it firsthand, unfortunately.'

'It doesn't make sense that a battery can cause a fire that would affect your whole house.'

Consumer Protection WA has now issued a 'critical' warning to the public, with Manager Gary Newcombe bringing attention to these dangers and suggesting that buyers take caution..

'Make sure you get the manufacturer's charger that comes with that device,' he advised.

'Do not leave devices charging overnight, particularly in the house or the garage.'

Mr Newcombe went on to explain that the batteries should never be used in direct sunlight, and should be charged outside and away from items that may be flammable.

He also warned online shoppers to be careful when purchasing second-hand devices, as their performance and safety might not be up to standard.

'Now that's a highly risky thing to do because a lot of those chargers come from overseas and they do not meet Australian standards,' he added.

'A bargain can be quite misleading … there's a real risk of fire and injury.'

Key Takeaways

• Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise and have caused many structure fires in countries like Australia
• This is an issue that can be extremely dangerous and pose health and safety risks, with one faulty and overheating battery potentially causing an entire house to be destroyed by fire
• It is vital to be proactive and practice safety when using these batteries
• To ensure safety, individuals should use the manufacturer's charger that comes with their device, never leave them charging overnight, away from flammable items, and not in direct sunlight
• It is important to be vigilant and avoid purchasing second-hand devices or chargers from overseas, which do not meet Australian standards

Members, as a friendly reminder, please be sure to follow all the safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.

We also recommend staying vigilant when it comes to using appliances with lithium-ion batteries and being aware of their potential to malfunction.

This is especially applicable when it comes to buying gifts for your family or grandkids this Christmas, as both their physical safety and health is the most important thing.

Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out to your local consumer protection department if you have any further questions or concerns.

We hope the above advice is useful for you. Happy shopping and stay safe this holiday season!

 

[The CAJAN]

As we all know, many of our everyday household items have become automated, thanks to the modern invention of the lithium-ion battery.

From cordless vacuum cleaners that charge quickly and can run for hours, to electric bikes and scooters, laptops, and power tools, lithium-ion batteries are present in many of our most-used appliances.

And while these small-but-mighty power sources are usually great when you keep them maintained and charged correctly, just one tiny, faulty rechargeable lithium-ion battery can cause a whole house to go up into flames.

The pertinent warning issued comes following the unfortunate experience of one man in Mandurah, south of Perth, who was left devastated when his house burned down as a result of such a battery.

Jeff Nice had stored an old e-bike battery in the garage, and left it on charge when a fiendishly intense fire blazed through his roof and caused devastating destruction.

A fire started by a lithium battery ravaged Jeff's house. Credit: Jeff Nice (Supplied).

'I never realised the extent of how dangerous lithium batteries could be if you're not proactive,' he recalled.

'By the time we got out and over the gate, the roof was collapsing.'

'It just absolutely destroyed everything inside.'

'As soon as I knew there was a fire in the garage, I knew exactly what it was. I certainly knew it was the battery.'

Sadly, Jeff's story isn't an isolated one – the same thing has occurred in households throughout Western Australia.

'There are many, many more [fires] that we haven't been able to prove are lithium-ion related but we suspect that they are,' said Peter Jones, Manager of the Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Experts warned that the batteries release poisonous gas once they start burning The photo does NOT show lithium ion batteried -- the phot shows old fashioned alkaline batteries which NEVER catch fire. It is dangerouly misleading to publish this photo in the context of other batteries. Credit: Pexels/Hilary Halliwell.

Based on their research, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services believes unstable lithium-ion batteries have been responsible for between 50 and 60 structure fires this year alone - and that number is still on the rise.

When these batteries fail or overcharge, they heat up quickly and shoot fire and hot debris up to 10 metres away, making them incredibly hard to put out.

The toxic gases that are also released can make it even more dangerous, not to mention the extreme damage it causes to the home and its content.

Mr Jones continued: 'People don't really understand the risk until they've been exposed to it firsthand, unfortunately.'

'It doesn't make sense that a battery can cause a fire that would affect your whole house.'

Consumer Protection WA has now issued a 'critical' warning to the public, with Manager Gary Newcombe bringing attention to these dangers and suggesting that buyers take caution..

'Make sure you get the manufacturer's charger that comes with that device,' he advised.

'Do not leave devices charging overnight, particularly in the house or the garage.'

Mr Newcombe went on to explain that the batteries should never be used in direct sunlight, and should be charged outside and away from items that may be flammable.

He also warned online shoppers to be careful when purchasing second-hand devices, as their performance and safety might not be up to standard.

'Now that's a highly risky thing to do because a lot of those chargers come from overseas and they do not meet Australian standards,' he added.

'A bargain can be quite misleading … there's a real risk of fire and injury.'

Key Takeaways

• Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise and have caused many structure fires in countries like Australia
• This is an issue that can be extremely dangerous and pose health and safety risks, with one faulty and overheating battery potentially causing an entire house to be destroyed by fire
• It is vital to be proactive and practice safety when using these batteries
• To ensure safety, individuals should use the manufacturer's charger that comes with their device, never leave them charging overnight, away from flammable items, and not in direct sunlight
• It is important to be vigilant and avoid purchasing second-hand devices or chargers from overseas, which do not meet Australian standards

Members, as a friendly reminder, please be sure to follow all the safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.

We also recommend staying vigilant when it comes to using appliances with lithium-ion batteries and being aware of their potential to malfunction.

This is especially applicable when it comes to buying gifts for your family or grandkids this Christmas, as both their physical safety and health is the most important thing.

Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out to your local consumer protection department if you have any further questions or concerns.

We hope the above advice is useful for you. Happy shopping and stay safe this holiday season!

 

[The CAJAN]

The photo does NOT show lithium ion batteries -- the photo shows old fashioned alkaline batteries which NEVER catch fire. It is dangerouly misleading to publish this photo in the context of other batteries.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Only yesterday on the radio they advised of a truck fire at Greenacre in which they found was caused through a battery that had been thrown out and collected by the truck

 

[Papabear]

As we all know, many of our everyday household items have become automated, thanks to the modern invention of the lithium-ion battery.

From cordless vacuum cleaners that charge quickly and can run for hours, to electric bikes and scooters, laptops, and power tools, lithium-ion batteries are present in many of our most-used appliances.

And while these small-but-mighty power sources are usually great when you keep them maintained and charged correctly, just one tiny, faulty rechargeable lithium-ion battery can cause a whole house to go up into flames.

The pertinent warning issued comes following the unfortunate experience of one man in Mandurah, south of Perth, who was left devastated when his house burned down as a result of such a battery.

Jeff Nice had stored an old e-bike battery in the garage, and left it on charge when a fiendishly intense fire blazed through his roof and caused devastating destruction.

A fire started by a lithium battery ravaged Jeff's house. Credit: Jeff Nice (Supplied).

'I never realised the extent of how dangerous lithium batteries could be if you're not proactive,' he recalled.

'By the time we got out and over the gate, the roof was collapsing.'

'It just absolutely destroyed everything inside.'

'As soon as I knew there was a fire in the garage, I knew exactly what it was. I certainly knew it was the battery.'

Sadly, Jeff's story isn't an isolated one – the same thing has occurred in households throughout Western Australia.

'There are many, many more [fires] that we haven't been able to prove are lithium-ion related but we suspect that they are,' said Peter Jones, Manager of the Fire Investigation and Analysis Unit at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Experts warned that the batteries release poisonous gas once they start burning. Credit: Pexels/Hilary Halliwell.

Based on their research, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services believes unstable lithium-ion batteries have been responsible for between 50 and 60 structure fires this year alone - and that number is still on the rise.

When these batteries fail or overcharge, they heat up quickly and shoot fire and hot debris up to 10 metres away, making them incredibly hard to put out.

The toxic gases that are also released can make it even more dangerous, not to mention the extreme damage it causes to the home and its content.

Mr Jones continued: 'People don't really understand the risk until they've been exposed to it firsthand, unfortunately.'

'It doesn't make sense that a battery can cause a fire that would affect your whole house.'

Consumer Protection WA has now issued a 'critical' warning to the public, with Manager Gary Newcombe bringing attention to these dangers and suggesting that buyers take caution..

'Make sure you get the manufacturer's charger that comes with that device,' he advised.

'Do not leave devices charging overnight, particularly in the house or the garage.'

Mr Newcombe went on to explain that the batteries should never be used in direct sunlight, and should be charged outside and away from items that may be flammable.

He also warned online shoppers to be careful when purchasing second-hand devices, as their performance and safety might not be up to standard.

'Now that's a highly risky thing to do because a lot of those chargers come from overseas and they do not meet Australian standards,' he added.

'A bargain can be quite misleading … there's a real risk of fire and injury.'

Key Takeaways

• Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise and have caused many structure fires in countries like Australia
• This is an issue that can be extremely dangerous and pose health and safety risks, with one faulty and overheating battery potentially causing an entire house to be destroyed by fire
• It is vital to be proactive and practice safety when using these batteries
• To ensure safety, individuals should use the manufacturer's charger that comes with their device, never leave them charging overnight, away from flammable items, and not in direct sunlight
• It is important to be vigilant and avoid purchasing second-hand devices or chargers from overseas, which do not meet Australian standards

Members, as a friendly reminder, please be sure to follow all the safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.

We also recommend staying vigilant when it comes to using appliances with lithium-ion batteries and being aware of their potential to malfunction.

This is especially applicable when it comes to buying gifts for your family or grandkids this Christmas, as both their physical safety and health is the most important thing.

Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out to your local consumer protection department if you have any further questions or concerns.

We hope the above advice is useful for you. Happy shopping and stay safe this holiday season!

Interesting that Smoke alarms are now being installed with 10 year life batteries, presumably Lithium and safe to use as backup in the case of power outages. Are they constantly being charged or simply can last that long, I wonder ?

 

[BernardDouglas]

While the convenience of lithium-ion batteries is undeniable, it's equally crucial to prioritize safety. Understanding how to handle and store these batteries properly can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. This includes avoiding overcharging, keeping batteries away from heat sources, and inspecting them regularly for signs of damage or deterioration.
Additionally, opting for high-quality batteries from reputable manufacturers can further enhance safety measures. Companies like pkcellpower.com, known for their reliable lithium-ion batteries, offer peace of mind with their commitment to quality and performance.