The growing use of electric bikes and scooters is introducing a fire hazard into workplaces that many employers may not have considered. Are your arrangements for charging lithium-ion batteries putting your premises and employees at risk?
During a recent health and safety site inspection at a warehouse, we noticed something that is becoming increasingly common in workplaces: an electric bicycle and an electric scooter plugged into ordinary three-pin sockets, charging unattended in a staff locker room.
Employees are increasingly using electric bikes and scooters to commute to work which is a great alternative to taking the car or using public transport, and allowing people to recharge their devices at work may appear to be a reasonable employee benefit.
However, these devices are usually powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can present significant fire risks if damaged, defective, incorrectly charged or improperly stored, with many reports of house fires caused by the devices.
So how can employers manage this risk?
Why Are E-Bikes and E-Scooters a Fire Risk?
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in everyday devices, from mobile phones and laptops to power tools, electric vehicles and warehouse equipment, and most operate safely when manufactured, maintained and used correctly.
However, when lithium-ion batteries fail, they can enter a process known as thermal runaway. This is an uncontrolled chemical reaction that generates intense heat and can lead to fire, the release of flammable and toxic gases, and potentially explosive conditions.
Unlike many conventional fires, lithium-ion battery incidents can develop rapidly and may be difficult to control.
The risks are particularly concerning when batteries are charged in unsuitable locations, such as staff locker rooms, corridors, storerooms or areas containing combustible materials and unsuitable fire fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers.
For example, an e-bike being charged alongside employees’ coats, bags and personal belongings could create a significant fire hazard. If the room is close to an escape route, smoke and heat from a battery failure could also compromise evacuation.
Importantly, the use of a standard three-pin socket is not necessarily unsafe. Many manufacturer-approved chargers are designed for this purpose but the concern is whether the charger and battery are compatible, in good condition and being used in an appropriately controlled environment.
Additionally, privately purchased e-bikes and e-scooters may not have been sourced from a reputable seller and may not conform to high quality and safety standards.
What Does Official UK Guidance Say?
The UK Government has recognised the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters.
In February 2024, the Department for Transport published guidance entitled E-cycle and e-scooter batteries: managing fire risk for premises.
This guidance is particularly relevant to employers, building owners, facilities managers and others responsible for managing premises.
It highlights the importance of assessing battery fire hazards, managing charging arrangements and considering whether charging should be permitted within buildings.
The London Fire Brigade also provides guidance for Responsible Persons, addressing the storage and charging of electric-powered personal vehicles.
Additionally, the Office for Product Safety and Standards has published government safety advice covering battery and charger safety.
Although there is no general legal prohibition on charging e-bikes or e-scooters inside workplaces, employers must ensure that the associated risks are appropriately assessed and controlled.
Should Employers Allow E-Bikes and E-Scooters to Be Charged at Work?
This is a decision that each organisation should make based on its circumstances and fire risk assessment.
Some businesses may choose to prevent charging of personal electric bikes and scooters altogether, while others may decide to provide designated charging facilities, particularly where employees rely on electric transport to commute.
Where charging is permitted, appropriate precautions should be considered. These may include locating charging facilities away from escape routes and combustible materials, ensuring suitable fire detection, restricting the use of damaged or incompatible equipment, and preventing unattended charging.
A designated external charging facility may be preferable in some workplaces, although the location and construction must still be assessed.
It is also important to distinguish between charging and storage. Even where charging is prohibited, allowing employees to store e-bikes, e-scooters or removable batteries inside the building may introduce a fire hazard that needs to be assessed.
Does Your Business Need an E-Bike and E-Scooter Charging Policy?
We recommend that employers establish a documented policy governing the storage and charging of lithium-ion battery-powered equipment at work, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
This does not need to be a complicated document, and could be contained within a staff handbook, but it should clearly explain what employees are permitted to bring onto the premises, where devices may be stored and whether charging is allowed.
A suitable policy should address:
- Which devices and batteries are covered, including personal e-bikes, e-scooters and removable batteries.
- Whether charging is prohibited or restricted to designated areas.
- Requirements for compatible, manufacturer-approved chargers and equipment in good condition.
- Restrictions on unattended or overnight charging.
- Arrangements for reporting damaged, overheating or defective batteries.
- Responsibilities for employees, managers and facilities personnel.
- Emergency procedures in the event of a suspected battery failure or fire.
The policy should be communicated to employees and contractors, supported by appropriate signage where necessary and reviewed when equipment, premises or working arrangements change.
A written policy is not, by itself, a substitute for suitable physical precautions or a fire risk assessment. However, it can provide a consistent framework for controlling a hazard that might otherwise be overlooked.
Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Included in Your Fire Risk Assessment?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is undertaken and appropriate fire precautions are implemented.
As lithium-ion battery-powered equipment becomes increasingly common, fire risk assessments should explicitly consider whether these devices are present and how they are stored and charged.
Traditional fire risk assessments typically address electrical installations, portable electrical appliances, housekeeping, combustible materials and means of escape.
However, these general categories may not be sufficient to identify the specific hazards associated with e-bikes, e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery equipment.
At Assent Risk Management, we have adapted our PAS 79-1:2020 conformant Fire risk assessment to include additional questions specifically covering risks related to lithium-ion batteries.
Where significant battery storage or charging activities take place, a more detailed assessment may be necessary.
For warehouses and industrial premises, this assessment should extend beyond employees’ personal devices to include rechargeable tools, electric pallet trucks, forklifts and other battery-powered equipment.
Contact us to get a quote for a competent fire risk assessment.
What Should Employers Do Now?
Employers should not assume that allowing employees to charge their personal electric vehicles is a harmless workplace convenience.
A sensible first step is to establish whether any e-bikes, e-scooters or removable batteries are currently being stored or charged on site. Managers may be surprised to discover that charging is already taking place without their knowledge.
The next step is to review, or conduct, a fire risk assessment and determine whether existing precautions adequately address the hazards.
Finally, businesses should introduce a clear policy, communicate expectations to employees and periodically check that the arrangements are being followed.
Contact Assent Risk Management to discuss your workplace fire risk assessment and health and safety requirements.
