Adapted from Fire Safety advice given by Devon Fire Service:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use and charge lithium battery-powered equipment
- Batteries that have been modified or tampered with are unpredictable and dangerous
- Make sure that Lithium ion battery equipment is approved by British Standards. Always use the charger supplied with the device or recommended by the manufacturer and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller
- Don’t leave lithium batteries unattended when charging and don’t charge them overnight
- Don’t charge in hallways, next to stairs, or any communal areas. Keep escape routes clear so you can evacuate quickly and safely
- Housing association properties should have designated areas known as outdoor charging compounds to charge lithium ion battery items, such as scooters and e-bikes
- It is not recommended to charge a lithium ion scooter in a flat – use an outdoor charging compound if possible
- Before purchasing equipment that uses a lithium ion battery, make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of the home and in the room where the item will be charged
- Plug the charging cable directly into the mains socket rather an extension lead
- Unplug the charger when the battery is full
- Make sure your scooter/wheelchair is serviced if it gets damaged or is involved in an accident. This is particularly important if you notice a crack in the battery, where water may have got in
For further fire safety advice, contact: firesafetyhelpdesk@dsfire.gov.uk or 01392-872567