January 2025
Earlier this year, a devastating fire ripped through one of the world’s largest manufacturing plants for lithium-ion batteries.
The blaze, at the Moss Landing Power Plant in California, burned for five days, ultimately destroying around 80% of the batteries housed within the building. It was the fourth such fire at the facility since 2019, with the latest conflagration prompting calls for the introduction of additional safety regulations around battery storage.
A key component in a host of greener technology, from e-scooters to electric cars, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and are inherently flammable. How these batteries are stored, therefore, is a critical safety concern.
Neil Harper is the UK Sales Manager for leading storage solutions specialist ZARGES, which manufactures a range of specialist cases designed to facilitate the safe transportation and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
Neil says: “The fire in California is the latest in a long line of similar incidents around the world that have been attributed to lithium-ion batteries. If damaged, or improperly stored, the batteries can become incredibly volatile, increasing the risk of them igniting.
“It is absolutely essential, therefore, that they are stored properly when situated near other flammable products – particularly when they are faulty or damaged.
“The safest thing a manufacturer can do is ensure that the damaged or defective battery is held in a UN approved case. Typically, these will contain chemically inert materials designed to contain a fire within the case before it can spread, should one break out.”
ZARGES has a range of solutions, including K470 storage box which is compliant with UN 3480 and class 9 and is available in 25 standard sizes, offering a standard capacity range from 13 to 829 litres. The cases are also available with a choice of flame-retardant foam or protective cushioning, designed specifically for the transportation and protection of lithium-ion batteries.
Stringently tested to ensure maximum safety, the ZARGES K470 Hazardous Goods Cases have been designed to eliminate the risk of explosion and the spread of flames in accordance with ADR P908 and SV 376, making it one of the most popular case solutions available on the market.
Neil continues: “Electrification is essential in the push to reduce our carbon output, and lithium-ion batteries play a key role in that. But this horrifying fire in California should serve as a stark reminder to just how dangerous they can be. Manufacturers and any organisations that transport, store or handle lithium-ion batteries as part of their operations must give due consideration to how they are stored and consider investing in solutions that can prevent the next devastating fire from starting in their facility.”
Media contact:
HROC PR Ltd.
T: 0121 454 9707