Five ways to reduce fire risk of lithium-ion batteries in healthcare settings

In the critical, fast-paced world of health care, safety is everything. We rely on our hospitals to be sanctuaries — places where care and precision rule every decision. But what if one of the fastest-growing threats to that safety is hiding in plain sight — inside the very tools we rely on? Brooks Australia CEO CATHY BRAND sets out the fire risk of lithium-ion batteries in healthcare settings and five ways to suppress this risk.

In August 2024, a Victorian hospital was forced to evacuate part of its premises after a workstation on wheels (WOW) battery caught fire.¹ Additional batteries onsite were found cracked, swollen and leaking — likely damaged during charging or swapping processes. It was a narrow escape, but one that reflects a much broader and urgent problem: fire risk in healthcare environments is evolving, and lithium-ion batteries are at the centre of it.

The modern hospital: a new landscape of risk

Hospitals today are increasingly reliant on battery-powered devices. WOWs, tablets, infusion pumps, portable diagnostic tools, and even staff e-scooters or power-assisted equipment all utilise these batteries. While these devices have improved patient care and efficiency, they have also introduced hidden hazards.

Lithium-ion batteries, prized for being lightweight, energy-dense and rechargeable, become dangerously unstable when dropped, punctured, overheated or overcharged. Fires caused by thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can escalate within seconds, producing toxic fumes, high heat and even secondary explosions.

In a hospital filled with vulnerable patients, flammable materials, pressurised oxygen tanks and essential electronics, a fire of that kind can be catastrophic.

What’s more concerning is that many workplaces have yet to adapt their safety protocols to accommodate the realities of these risks. Studies suggest that more than 50% of workers don’t know what to do or where to go in a fire emergency, and fewer than 25% can locate the nearest fire extinguisher.² There is a dangerous gap emerging between the risks of modern healthcare technology and our collective preparedness to handle them.

Why healthcare fires are uniquely dangerous — proactive strategies for prevention

Unlike most commercial settings, hospitals and healthcare facilities face additional layers of complexity regarding fire safety. Patients may be unconscious, immobile or hooked up to life-sustaining equipment. Staff must balance their emergency response with patient care, often making split-second decisions under intense pressure.

A lithium-ion battery fire — especially one that spreads to nearby devices or ignites near oxygen tanks — can escalate with frightening speed. The presence of chemicals, flammable materials and highly sensitive electronics make any lapse in fire preparedness potentially life-threatening.

That’s why fire safety in healthcare settings must move beyond passive compliance and become an active, high-priority strategy.

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What can be done: a proactive path forward in five steps

Fortunately, fires involving lithium-ion batteries are largely preventable. With the right systems, clear protocols and ongoing education, healthcare facilities can dramatically reduce the risk of such incidents. Achieving this requires a fundamental cultural shift — where fire prevention is prioritised alongside infection control and patient safety, becoming an embedded part of everyday practice.

1. Conduct regular, comprehensive fire safety and hazard audits

Audits must go well beyond the basics of checking fire doors and smoke detectors. Facilities should carefully examine how and where lithium-ion batteries are stored and charged. Are batteries being overcharged or left unattended during charging? Are power cords showing signs of wear, fraying or positioned where they could be damaged by foot traffic? Are devices stored in well-ventilated areas that prevent overheating? A detailed and methodical audit helps identify these vulnerabilities early, allowing for timely intervention before minor issues escalate into emergencies.

2. Introduce clear, detailed protocols for lithium-ion battery use and storage

It is essential that staff receive thorough training on how to recognise early warning signs of battery failure, such as bulging casings, unusual heat generation, strange odours or leaking fluids. These indicators signal that a battery requires immediate removal and replacement. Damaged or defective batteries should never be left unattended, nor disposed of in regular waste bins. Establishing a robust and transparent process for battery inspection, handling and safe disposal ensures that risks are minimised and staff know exactly how to respond to potential hazards.

3. Invest in ongoing fire safety education and hands-on training for all staff

Fire safety must be a mandatory and recurring part of staff training programs, rather than a one-time session during onboarding. Everyone — from clinical personnel to support staff and administrative teams — should be confident in evacuation procedures, the correct use of fire extinguishers and the reporting channels for hazards or incidents. Fire drills should be designed to simulate realistic scenarios, including the complexities of evacuating patients who are immobile or reliant on life-support equipment, as well as responding effectively to battery-related fires.

4. Ensure all equipment and infrastructure are fire-ready and regularly maintained

Fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, sprinkler systems and smoke alarms, must be routinely inspected and serviced to guarantee functionality. It is critical that extinguishers are suitable for the types of fires likely to occur in healthcare settings — especially electrical or chemical fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Emergency signage should be clearly visible, up to date and strategically placed, while all floors should have well-marked, accessible exits and designated assembly points. These seemingly small but essential measures can make a life-saving difference during an emergency.

5. Develop and practise a fire plan tailored to lithium-ion battery risks

Every healthcare facility needs a fire plan that specifically addresses the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires. This plan should detail evacuation routes, communication protocols, staff roles, and responsibilities during an emergency. Most importantly, the plan must be actively practised and reviewed regularly. A fire plan that is simply filed away offers no protection when seconds count — it must be ingrained into the culture and readiness of the entire organisation.

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While fire suppression and evacuation protocols are essential, early detection remains the first and most critical line of defence — particularly in environments where lithium-ion batteries are in regular use. Smoke and heat detectors must be appropriately selected, strategically placed near high-risk areas such as charging stations and equipment bays, and routinely tested for responsiveness. Detectors should be positioned according to AS 1670 standards and calibrated to suit the specific sensitivities of healthcare environments, where false alarms can be highly disruptive, but early warnings are life-saving.

Modern detection systems should be seamlessly integrated with automated fire panels that coordinate building-wide alerts, activate occupant warning systems and trigger emergency responses without delay. These systems not only notify staff in real time but can also support staged evacuations, interface with nurse call systems and log events for post-incident review. Ensuring that detection infrastructure is intelligently connected and maintained across all critical areas — especially where lithium-ion batteries are stored or used — helps transform passive monitoring into active protection.

With proper awareness, planning and ongoing training, the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires can be effectively minimised. Reliable early detection, regular audits, clear protocols and well-maintained equipment all play crucial roles in preventing incidents before they occur.

The use of lithium-ion batteries in health care will continue to grow as technology advances, but fire risk does not need to increase alongside it. By taking proactive, strategic action now — embedding fire safety into everyday practices — healthcare facilities can remain secure sanctuaries for patients and staff alike. Prevention is not just an option; it is a responsibility we must all share to ensure safety keeps pace with innovation.

^{1. www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/lithium-ion-battery-catches-fire
2. fireandsafetyaustralia.com.au/workplace-fire-statistics}

Image credit: iStock.com/gerenme. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.