A lithium ion battery is generally considered safe technology. It uses no acid, which eliminates spill and contamination hazards. The risk of fire is very low.
As with any energy storage system, the risks increase if the system is not properly operated or maintained. To manage fire and safety risks, we will:
- select a vendor with a proven and reliable battery system
- use qualified technicians to do the installation and startup
- use several automated mechanisms to prevent fires from starting
- maintain the system in a good state-of-repair, with routine maintenance by qualified technicians
- check and maintain the fire suppression system routinely as recommended by the vendor
- install the battery storage system within a secure, fenced enclosure
- install security measures including monitors, cameras and alarms
- develop and use security monitoring and equipment monitoring protocols
- install fire suppression systems and alarms in each battery storage container
- use fire-retardant packing/module containers to ensure that if a fire does occur, it is isolated to a single pack of battery cells
- use containers with pressure relief valves which, in the event of a fire, allow gas to escape and prevent a container explosion
- space the containers apart to prevent a fire from spreading from one container to another