Guidance on Li Ion Battery Fires

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1. INTRODUCTION
This document has been prepared by the FIA Li-ion battery SIG, which comprises FIA members and other interested parties and organisations.
The SIG is open to FIA members and others with an interest in increasing the understanding of the issue of lithium-ion battery fires and protecting people and property from consequences of these fires.
This document represents the current understanding of the industry and will be updated as more information becomes available.
2. SCOPE
This FIA guidance paper provides information on the issues related to the use of Lithium- ion batteries, how fires start in batteries and on how they may be detected, controlled, suppressed and extinguished. It also provides guidance on post fire management. Excluded from the scope are explosion and ventilation issues.
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
The block plan should be located at the entrance to the building or close to the fire panel, in a location easily accessible by fire and rescue services or other interested parties.
3.1 Battery
a container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power.
3.2 Lithium-ion Battery
a rechargeable battery that uses lithium-ions as the primary component of its electrolyte.
3.3 Energy Storage
the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time.
3.4 Energy Storage System
collection of batteries used to store energy.
3.5 Electric Vehicle
vehicle which uses one or more electric motors for propulsion.
3.6 Battery Management System (BMS)
electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery.
3.7 Thermal Runaway
exothermic chemical reaction generating more heat than is being dissipated,
note: this can be characterised where a self-heating rate of 10oC/min or greater occurs.
3.8 Thermal Propagation
Where a single battery cell thermal runaway spreads to neighbouring cells.
3.9 Fire Tetrahedron
elements required to sustain a fire - Fuel, Heat, Oxygen and a Chemical Chain Reaction.
3.10 Off-gassing
venting of flammable/ toxic electrolyte vapours.
Guidance Document – Guidance on Li Ion Battery Fires • Version 1 • December 2020 • Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 5002 • www.fia.uk.com
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