How to Put Out a Lithium-Ion Battery Fire

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in a whole host of household objects that we use on a day-to-day basis. From mobile phones, tablets and laptops to larger items such as electric cars and medical equipment, they’re extremely commonplace. 

These types of fires are classified as Class B fires, referring to the flammable liquid within the battery. Lithex AVD filled extinguishers – or Lith Ex Li-ion fire extinguishers, as they’re also known – are the best choice for this type of fire and are CE-certified. They contain a non-toxic compound called Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), and they’re suitable for enclosed spaces.

While these events are rare, it’s important to know how to react if they do occur. In this article, we’ll outline how to put out lithium-ion battery fires and ways you can prevent them from happening in the first place.     

What are the warning signs?

It’s important to recognise the warning signs that appear if a lithium-ion battery fire is about to occur. The battery itself is likely to swell, change colour and possibly blister, but more often than not you won’t be able to actually see it. 

Instead, you’ll need to rely on your other senses. If your device begins to get abnormally hot, is smoking or looks to be swelling then it could be about to explode or set on fire. 

If you suspect that your device could catch fire, don’t touch it with your bare hands. Read on to find out how you should deal with a lithium-ion battery fire.   

How to put out a lithium-ion battery?

If the worst happens and your lithium-ion battery does set on fire, then you should know how to put it out. All fires are dangerous, however, lithium-ion battery fires can be particularly violent. This is because they release a toxic, flammable vapour that can keep the fire going while also causing harm to those nearby.

These types of fires are classified as Class B fires, referring to the flammable liquid within the battery. Lithex AVD filled extinguishers are the best choice for this type of fire and finish the paragraph with this: Lith Ex Li-ion fire extinguishers, as they’re also known, are CE-certified. They contain a non-toxic compound called Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), and they’re suitable for enclosed spaces.

Foam and CO2 extinguishers are also capable of dealing with this type of blaze.   

Preventative measures you should take

Of course, the best way to stop a fire from occurring is to have preventative measures in place. While you can’t always predict when and how a fire will start, there are plenty of measures you can take to safeguard your property and all those within it.

If you operate a business or industrial premises that stores a large amount of lithium-ion batteries, then this is the first place you should focus your preventative measures. First, make sure there are fire extinguishers nearby so if a fire does occur, they’re readily accessible and the blaze can be tackled quickly.

As well as this, ensure you have fire stopping solutions in place. Especially if the storeroom is going to be left unattended. These can come in the form of fire doors or the sealing of openings between walls and floors in order to stop a fire from spreading. 

In the event of a fire, you should also ensure that any ventilation shuts down so the fire is denied a fresh supply of oxygen – this will also help prevent it from spreading. 

If your operations require the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, then it’s important to place them in the necessary protective packaging and label them correctly with HAZMAT symbols.

At Scutum London, we’re experts in the prevention and protection against fires of all types. Our team has years of experience in protecting properties throughout the capital, and in all sectors, with our range of high-quality fire safety products. Supplying, installing and maintaining a variety of fire safety equipment to keep you, your employees and your property protected, contact us today to find out how we can help you.