Lithium-ion batteries have become a cornerstone of modern industrial operations, driving efficiency and powering the transition towards a greener economy. To support businesses in managing the associated risks, the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) have collaboratively published a new framework with vital storage and handling advice.
The growing adoption of lithium-ion technology
The push for decarbonisation has led to a widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries across the logistics and warehousing sector. They are increasingly used to power essential equipment, such as industrial forklifts, which have traditionally relied on fossil fuels like gas.
While these batteries offer substantial environmental and operational benefits, they present specific fire safety challenges. If left unmonitored or stored incorrectly, lithium-ion batteries hold the potential to enter a state of thermal runaway, which can lead to severe fires.
Key elements of the joint UKWA and UKMHA guidance
Launched at a UKWA Member Connect event, the guidance address the safe management of both large industrial traction batteries and smaller commercial batteries commonly found in warehouse environments.
The guideline outlines several practical measures for storage, such as:
- Maintaining cool and dry conditions
- Strict limits on the duration of long-term storage
- Physical separation of different battery types
It also emphasises the importance of operational protocols, including:
- Actively monitoring battery stock
- Developing comprehensive emergency response plans
- Delivery targeted training to staff
The guidance serves as a practical baseline for operators. Health and safety teams must integrate these recommendations alongside existing site fire risk assessments, overarching health and safety duties, and specific insurer requirements. Where discrepancies arise between this general advice and specific manufacturer instructions, the manufacturer’s directions must always take precedence.
Proactive risk management as technology advances
As we continue to move away from fossil fuels, it’s crucial we understand how to safely store and use this new technology as it moves through the supply chain and into the general public. Clare Bottle, Chief Executive of the UKWA, highlighted that proper storage precautions are entirely achievable for warehouse operators with many doing so already. She notes “it’s a market that will only grow, so it’s important the UK has a wide range of warehouse operators equipped with this knowledge.“
Similarly, David Goss, Technical Director of the UKMHA reinforces the safety and reliability of lithium-ion technology, and the necessity of “understanding the potential for hazards due to the release of stored energy or chemicals” for effective risk management.
By staying informed and integrating these expert recommendations, EHS professionals can confidently support their organisations’ technological advancements while maintaining the highest standards of workplace safety.
