Two were injured after this e-scooter exploded at a house in Sadlier, Sydney. Photos: FRNSW
There is still widespread complacency about the use and charging of lithium-ion batteries, says a NSW Government survey.
The NSW Department of Customer Service (DCS) survey shows that while 44 per cent of people understand the risks involved with such batteries, they’re still willing to ‘risk it’ when charging their devices.
The survey findings found that 73 per cent of respondents charge their devices while unattended, 70 per cent say they charge near living spaces or exits, 64 per cent leave devices plugged in after charging and 51 per cent use poor chargers or batteries.
The survey also showed there was limited knowledge about the safe use of these batteries; 32 per cent of respondents did not know how to implement safety measures and 29 per cent were unsure how to implement them.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have responded to 13 lithium-ion battery fires across NSW in eight days including four in 12-hours last week.
This numbers prompted a NSW Government press conference in Sydney today (Mon) to address the issue.
A e-scooter on Railway, St, Parramatta, last week.
SEE EARLIER STORY: Big surge in battery fires prompts FRNSW warning
NSW Fair Trading introduced new product safety standards on February 1 to ensure these personal mobility devices (or e-micromobility vehicles), batteries and chargers are safe.
The government also plans to introduce a new standard in late February to ensure safety information is given to the buyer at time of sale. This new information will cover product safety, fire safety and emergency procedures, product end of life and storage, electrical safety and advice on road rules.
Retailers and manufacturers are required to inform the buyer of these standards or face fines of up to $5500 per breach.
More mandatory testing and certification, and mandatory labelling requirements will come into effect in August and February 2026, respectively.
Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister, Anoulack Chanthivong says poorly made lithium-ion batteries “are contributing to more than one fire per week across NSW”.
“But regulations can’t stop poor consumer behaviour and the high number of fires that Fire and Rescue NSW responded to last week should be a wake-up call to people with these products.
“If you own a lithium-ion battery product, stop risking your life and your family’s lives, make sure you follow the advice on how to charge and use these devices safely.”
SAFE DISPOSAL
NSW Environment Protection Authority executive director Alexandra Geddes says that “every year, we see fires breaking out in garbage trucks and recycling facilities because people are throwing batteries in household bins”.
“This is not just dangerous – it’s avoidable,” she says.
“This insightful survey shows one in four people (25 per cent) are still putting batteries in their rubbish bins and we need to do better.
“Batteries must be disposed of safely at dedicated drop-off points to help prevent these growing fires,” Geddes says.
“There are free recycling options available across NSW, including at supermarkets and Community Recycling Centres.”
To visit the FRNSW website, click here www.fire.nsw.gov.au/
