Lithium-ion battery safety campaign kit

Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales. Lithium-ion batteries contain a massive amount of energy in a relatively small space. When lithium-ion batteries fail, that energy is rapidly released which can create explosions, highly toxic fumes and secondary ignitions even after the flames have been extinguished.

The public can prevent hazards by charging safely, being aware of warning signs, disposing of lithium-ion batteries correctly and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.

This toolkit has been developed to help you communicate with your local community about how to safely use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries. It contains assets and resources for you to download and share.

On this page

Battery fire statistics

This chart represents battery related fires and injuries that have occured during Jan 2023 - Jun 2024.

Click the legend items below to display the categories of battery related fires and injuries.

Micromobility refers to e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility scooters or golf carts. Personal devices that are used to aid in mobility.

Community resources

General lithium-ion battery safety

Delivery riders: e-bike battery safety

Lithium-ion Battery Safety

Below are lithium-ion battery safety social media resources.

Example posts:

  • In NSW, lithium-ion batteries have become a leading fire hazard, posing serious risks in homes, workplaces, and waste facilities. By taking simple steps at each stage of a battery's life cycle-shopping, using, charging, and recycling - you can protect yourself, your loved ones, your workers, and your community.
  • Large batteries like the ones used in e-bikes, should be charged away from living spaces and exits. When buying and using lithium-ion battery-powered products, safety should come first. Shop, Charge and Recycle safely this season.
  • Damaged lithium-ion batteries and damaged chargers pose an incredible risk. Identify the early warning signs and prevent a fire in your home.
  • Charge batteries on hard surfaces like concrete floors or tiles. Once fully charged, disconnect to avoid overheating. Shop, Charge and Recycle safely this season.

      • Example call to action link:

      For more info, go to www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe

      Example Hashtags:

      #ChargeSafe #LithiumIonBattery #BatterySafety #EBikes #EScooter #LithiumIon

Social downloads:

Translated tiles:

Detailed information

For comprehensive information on Lithium-ion batteries, please visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries.

Resources for media

Media Releases and Tweets: Plotted locations of Lithium-ion related incidents we have mentioned.

Video footage / B-roll

Research

Fire and Rescue NSW is currently leading a collaborative research program on the Safety of Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies (SARET). Click here to learn more about the SARET program.

Glossary of terms

Micromobility

Micromobility refers to e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility scooters or golf carts. Personal devices that are used to aid in mobility.

Contact

Please contact media@fire.nsw.gov.au for media enquires or click here for further information.

Research related enquires

Please contact us at research@fire.nsw.gov.au for all enquiries regarding the program.

Did you know?


The use of heaters, cigarettes and candles are common causes of fires.


When you're asleep, you won't smell the smoke from a fire.


You're twice as likely to die in a home fire if you don't have a working smoke alarm.

Fire and Rescue NSW responds to approximately
4500
residential fires each year. Half of these fires start in the kitchen, mostly due to unattended cooking.


Electrical appliances and faults cause almost 40% of home fires.