Understanding Thermal Runaway and Ensuring Fire Safety in Public and Private Spaces
The rise of electric scooters and private electric vehicles is a trend that’s gaining momentum and showing no signs of slowing down, and with this surge comes an increased awareness of the fire risks inherent in e-scooters and e-vehicles. Cities across the nation are introducing rental schemes to accommodate this new wave of transportation, despite the fact that personal ownership of such vehicles remains in a legal gray area. This uptick in e-vehicle usage has led to an unintended consequence: an increase in Lithium-Ion battery-related fires. These incidents, often caused by thermal runaways, have become a growing concern for Fire and Rescue Services nationwide.
Thermal runaway is a dangerous phenomenon in which a battery overheats, leading to a self-sustaining cycle of increasing temperature and energy release. This can result in fires that are challenging to extinguish and hazardous to nearby people and property. A simple YouTube search yields numerous examples of the devastating effects of these fires, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Recent fire risk assessments have revealed a surprising trend: e-scooters and other e-vehicles are being stored in previously uncommon locations. These devices are becoming more frequent in office buildings, retail shops, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and warehouses, not just tucked away in the stairwells of apartment complexes. This shift poses new challenges for maintaining safe evacuation routes in emergencies.
The Responsible Person must prioritise the integrity of escape routes, especially as these changes unfold. The presence of e-vehicles in various settings necessitates reevaluating fire safety measures to ensure they are current with the current landscape.
Businesses must be proactive in adapting to the proliferation of e-scooters and e-vehicles. Conducting a thorough fire risk assessment is crucial to safeguarding your establishment against the potential risks associated with these devices.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We will ensure that your business is prepared and your safety protocols are robust enough to handle the challenges posed by the surge in e-vehicle use.
Liam is our founder and Managing Director, bringing nearly a decade of experience in fire safety regulation and compliance across both the public and private sectors.
He holds a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, earned during his time as an Inspecting Officer with his local Fire & Rescue Service. With a strong background in fire strategy development and fire risk assessment, Liam is dedicated to delivering expert guidance that improves building safety.
