Industry steps up with lithium battery storage guidance
- Lithium-ion batteries are now in every part of our lives, from laptops to industrial machinery
- Batteries are an essential part of the electrification and decarbonisation of the economy, but they must be used and handled properly
- Trade associations covering the warehousing and materials handling sectors have published new guidance on safe storage
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) have today published new guidance to help warehouse operators manage the risks associated with the growing use and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
The two trade bodies have worked in parallel to provide practical advice covering both smaller batteries held in storage, and the storage of larger traction batteries used to power warehouse equipment.
Batteries are vital to decarbonising the economy, whether through mobility, like e-bikes and scooters, or machinery such as forklifts, which traditionally ran on gas. However, whilst rare, there is a risk that unmonitored batteries can go into thermal runaway, causing fire, and can sometimes even reignite hours after an incident appears to be under control.
The guidance covers areas including storing batteries in cool, dry conditions, limiting long-term storage, and separating battery types. There are also pointers on how to monitor stock, prepare emergency plans and train staff.
Clare Bottle, Chief Executive of UKWA, said:
“Developments in battery technology are having a huge positive impact, making our lives more convenient, changing the way we move around, and helping the transition away from fossil fuels. All of these batteries move through the supply chain before ending up in businesses or people’s homes, so it is vital we get the storage and handling of them right.
“There’s no reason, with proper precautions, that batteries can’t be stored safely. Many warehouses are doing so already. This guidance will help others get to grips with the issue and understand how they can manage the risks. It is a market that will only grow, so it’s important the UK has a wide range of warehouse operators equipped with this knowledge.”
David Goss, Technical Director of UKMHA, said:
“Lithium-ion batteries have been transformative, not only for consumers but also for powering the equipment essential to today’s fast and efficient logistics sector.
“As with any technology, sensible precautions are necessary to minimise the risk of an incident. Whilst lithium-ion batteries have proven safe and reliable, effective risk management requires an understanding of the potential for hazards due to the release of stored energy or chemicals.
“Through this collaboration, UKWA and UKMHA have developed complementary guidance addressing the storage of both industrial truck traction batteries and the smaller batteries in warehouse environments.”
Both guidance documents are available to download free of charge from the UKWA and UKMHA websites.
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