The Educator Magazine U.K. September - December 2025 issue. - Magazine - Page 35
A crucial requirement of the legislation
entails the responsible person to oversee
a fire risk assessment, assigned to a
trustworthy fire safety expert (deemed
a “competent person”) and ensuring the
inclusion of all lithium-ion battery-powered
devices. The fire risk assessment must be
subject to regular review, particularly
following any changes made to the
building, when curriculum activities are
adjusted, or if usage of technology or
rechargeable devices is in any way
altered, for example.
The purpose of the fire risk assessment is
to identify fire hazards found around the
premises, ascertaining who in particular is
at risk, and implementing preventative and
protective measures tailored to these
specific risks. The degree to which batteries
are used, stored, handled, and charged
will differ across locations (classrooms,
staffrooms, design technology labs, ICT
rooms, or outdoor e-bike storage for
example), requiring fire safety measures
tailored to the specific fire risk present in
the environment.
It is imperative that all with the
responsibility of fire safety in an educational
setting understand the unique challenges
posed by lithium-ion battery fires – chiefly
because they should be handled differently
to a‘typical’ fire. The type of fire
extinguisher required to be installed in an
environment is determined by the specific
fire risk present, as detailed in the fire risk
assessment. Due to its explosive nature,
a lithium-ion battery fire must be tackled
with a specialised fire extinguisher,
specifically designed to quickly put out
flames, break down the chain reaction of
thermal runaway, absorb heat, and protect
from secondary Class A fires.
Additionally, to ensure compliance with
regulations, all fire safety systems and
fire extinguishers installed must be well
maintained and kept in good working order
to ensure they are fit for purpose in the
event of a fire; including an annual service
by a qualified fire safety engineer to ensure
compliance with British Standards.
Mitigating the growing risks in an
educational setting
As is the case with any fire safety plan,
lithium-ion battery risks can be catered for
with a targeted, informed, and clearly
communicated approach to fire safety,
building usage, and behavioural
adjustments. By making sure there is as
little chance as possible for thermal
runaway to happen, schools can mitigate
the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
Consider the following to ensure the strict
management of lithium-ion battery
procurement, charging, storage, and
disposal:
• Regular inspection of devices.
Conduct visual checks for damage to the
device, swollen batteries, and cracks,
ensuring to replace the device when
required.
• Promote safe charging practices.
Unplug devices at the end of the academic
day, avoid stacking them when charging,
only use manufacturer-approved chargers,
and avoid charging overnight or for
extended periods of time.
• Be mindful of temperatures. Ensure
devices are not exposed to extreme hot
or cold temperatures. If they are not in use,
store them in a cool, dry place, away from
direct sunlight.
• Dispose of batteries safely. Old or
damaged lithium-ion batteries should be
disposed of at approved recycling centres
– they should never be put in the bin or
incinerated.
• Install lithium-ion battery fire
extinguishers. In the event of a fire of this
nature, traditional fire extinguishers are
ineffective. Specialist fire extinguishers,
developed specifically for lithium-ion
battery fires, should be installed
accordingly for peace of mind.
• Educate staff and students on
proper usage. Ensure all users of the
building are appropriately informed on
the proper usage, charging, and storage
of devices containing lithium-ion
batteries.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended
that policies are clearly communicated, and
that all are aware of the correct procedure
for the reporting of damaged or
unsafe-seeming equipment.
The evolving risks: a need for
collaboration and education
Enforcement of the RRFSO is typically
the responsibility of local fire and rescue
authorities. They will conduct inspections,
identify improvement areas for compliance,
issue enforcement notices, and work
with educational institutions to enhance
fire safety procedures. For this reason,
collaboration with local fire services and
other fire safety experts is essential if
schools are to keep abreast of the evolving
challenges in lithium-ion battery fire risks
and adhere to the latest stringent safety
standards and regulations.
With ongoing partnership, schools can
continually refine fire safety protocols and
be confident they are acting on best
practices for fire prevention and response,
and remain aligned with the latest RRFSO updates. Fire safety experts can also
provide immense value to fire safety plans,
whether offering guidance on specific
lithium-ion risks unique to campus layout
and usage pattern or advising on fire drills
with a lithium-ion battery fire focus. It’s
imperative that headteachers, governing
bodies, and facilities teams shift to a
proactive fire safety culture to protect
people and property while meeting all legal
compliance requirements.
Lithium-ion battery fires are not a
hypothetical threat. This unique fire risk is
very much here and is a growing concern –
with fires now occurring on a morefrequent-than-daily basis – underlining
the necessity for schools, colleges, and
universities to take action. As the use of
lithium-ion batteries in the setting becomes
more commonplace, the need for
greater awareness increases too.
Responsible persons must consider
safe and proper handling of lithium-ion
battery-powered devices as a priority.
Improved understanding, the correct fire
safety equipment, clear protocols, and
expert support will go a long way to a more
proactive approach to lithium-ion battery
fire safety and reduce the risk of thermal
runaway. But more than this, the true
safeguarding of students and staff depends
on it.
