New York Metropolis Fireplace Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has referred to as upon the Client Product Security Fee to take motion and assist stop what it calls “sub-standard” lithium-ion batteries from getting into the US. Kavanagh made the enchantment to the general public security workplace after NYC skilled tons of of e-bike and e-scooter battery fires – six of which resulted in fatalities – final yr.
New York Metropolis officers take the menace posed by low-quality e-bikes significantly, and the checklist of residents in danger consists of supply individuals on e-bikes, those that use battery-powered units of their houses, and the firefighters who’ve to reply to these electrical fires themselves. One incident in 2022 even led to firefighters having to make use of ropes hanging from the twentieth flooring of a constructing to avoid wasting individuals trapped by a blaze, with NBC Information piling on, reporting that the rising use of lithium-ion batteries is presenting new challenges to firefighters throughout the US, because the failing batteries can spark a fast-spreading fireplace that’s difficult to place out with standard firefighting strategies.
Ofodike Ezekoye, a fireplace scientist and a professor of mechanical engineering on the College of Texas, Austin, the supply of the flames in a li-ion battery fireplace is usually contained inside a cell that’s designed to be waterproof, making it difficult for firefighters to regulate the fireplace.
The variety of lithium battery fires throughout the US has elevated considerably, and firefighters and different consultants say the coaching required to struggle them successfully is missing in lots of locations. Officers are additionally urging producers to revamp batteries in order that the ensuing fires may be extinguished extra simply. In the meantime, the Transportable Rechargeable Battery Affiliation, an business commerce group, is collaborating with emergency response governmental businesses and business organizations to extend consciousness concerning the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries throughout dealing with, storage, and transportation. The group is open to working with events to forestall battery incidents, improve client security, and develop a constant message on the proper lithium-ion battery emergency response and security procedures.
