Originally published by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety
Leading food delivery companies and e-bike providers were recently warned about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries following a number of incidents in which the batteries caught fire.
For several months, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and SafeWork NSW representatives have met with a range of companies, including Uber Eats and DoorDash, which have agreed to educate their delivery riders about how to safely store and charge their e-bikes.
In NSW, lithium-ion battery fires have risen from 165 in 2022 and 272 in 2023, to 131 so far this year, and 35 of those lithium-ion fires this year related to mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
On 3 December last year, three food delivery riders were rushed to hospital after an e-bike exploded in their Annandale apartment building. One of the riders suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body.
On 5 January this year, firefighters battled a large blaze at a Croydon e-bike repair factory and late last month 50 people were evacuated when a fire broke out in a Chippendale e-bike repair shop.
Firefighters have outlined the risks to food delivery firms, explaining how damaged, compromised and/or over-heated e-bike lithium-ion batteries can catch fire and endanger lives.
Similarly, SafeWork NSW inspectors have targeted safety compliance with food delivery platforms to raise awareness and enhance rider safety.
FRNSW has enlisted the support of Zoomo, a Sydney-based e-bike fleet management business that leases more than 10,000 e-bikes globally and to 600 food delivery riders in NSW.
“Lithium-ion battery power represents a tremendous technological benefit, but the flipside is if the cells are damaged, over-charged or of poor quality, it can lead to what we call ‘thermal runaway” whereby just one battery can overheat and set off a highly dangerous chain reaction within the array of cells,” said FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell.
“Often, you’ll hear a popping or crackling sound, then the hissing of highly toxic gas emitting from the device before a fiery explosion occurs.
“The heat given off is extreme and our fire crews are regularly forced to immerse the devices in tubs of water, sometimes up to days, to let them cool and prevent re-ignition.”
Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, said the regulator and NSW Police regularly undertake compliance activities to ensure food delivery riders and platforms and riders are complying with safety laws, which include requiring all riders to wear personal protective equipment and undertake training.
“Safety for food delivery riders starts from the moment they go out to work until they are home, including ensuring all their equipment is stored safely. In this industry there are no margins for error and food delivery riders need to start and finish their shift with safety as a first thought,” Curtin said.
“Our food delivery platforms and riders should always take care to use quality e-bikes, to make sure they are properly maintained, and importantly to not cut corners when it comes to e-bike fire safety.”
FRNSW advised food delivery riders and the general public:
- not to over-charge lithium-ion battery-powered devices or leave them charging overnight unattended;
- not to charge lithium-ion battery-powered devices on beds, sofas or around highly flammable and insulating materials;
- only purchase reputable brands to ensure high-quality power management systems within devices
- always use compliant and approved charging equipment for lithium-ion batteries, don’t mix and match components and voltage
- avoid dropping, crushing or piercing the lithium-ion battery cells;
- store lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials, and larger devices like e-bikes and gardening tools should be stored outside of bedrooms and living spaces;
- not to charge or use lithium-ion batteries that show signs of damage, safely dispose of batteries through approved recycling points or facilities, don’t throw them out with the garbage
- don’t leave micro-mobility devices like e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards on charge next to exits that may be required in an emergency.
