Inquest ordered after 275 Lithium-ion batteries caused fires in NSW alone
After 275 Lithium-ion battery-caused fires in the past year in NSW, the Coroner’s Court of NSW announced on Wednesday an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by the batteries.
A sweeping coronial inquest examining deaths and serious fires caused by batteries has been announced in NSW, after hundreds of Lithium-ion battery blazes were started across the state over the past year.
The batteries - which are predominantly found in e-bike and scooters - have started 275 fires in the past year, most recently obliterating a unit in a multi-story complex in Camperdown last week.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan on Wednesday said the probe would investigate Lithium-ion battery fires “in order to determine if any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future”.
“We have seen a recent trend of fires being caused by items containing Lithium-ion batteries, including e-bikes and e-scooters,” she said. “Sadly, these fires have resulted in lives being lost.”
The fires have left 26 people injured and have forced evacuations in 876 buildings across the state over the past year, amid growing concerns over skyrocketing sales for battery powered transport devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing cause of fires in NSW, while the sale of e-mobility devices increased by 322 per cent in 2022 compared to 2020.
Ms O’Sullivan issued a stern warning going into the warmer months that safety measures around Lithium-ion batteries are more important than ever.
“At this time of year, when people are buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, I would urge everyone to follow the safety advice on Lithium-ion batteries,” she said.
“Make sure you only buy products that comply with the Australian standard. Use an approved charger, charge while you’re at home and awake, and unplug when the battery is full.
“Store lithium battery devices away from exits and sleeping areas so you have time to escape if a fire does start.
“Know the signs to look out for: if there is a strange odour, vapour, smoke, or a strange sound coming from a lithium battery-powered device, get out and call triple zero.”
The first Lithium-ion battery caused deaths in NSW were reported in Lake Macquarie in March. A Lithium-ion battery caused fire occurs on average more than five times a week.
The state government in August announced battery producers could be fined more than $800,000 if they fail to comply with new standards on lithium-ion powered e-bikes and e-scooters as part of a major crackdown.
NRMA director of Policy and Public Affairs Robert Giltinan said the increasing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has sparked concern.
“We commend the NSW Government for working with stakeholders and for taking decisive action to implement stringent product standards, testing protocols and certification requirements to enhance safety,” he said.
“It is crucial that these measures be adopted nationally, and we fully support the NSW Government’s initiative to place this regulation on the national agenda to create a unified approach across Australia.”
