The Educator Magazine U.K. May-August 2026 issue. - Magazine - Page 56
Enhancing fire safety in schools:
addressing the growing lithium-ion battery threat
The use and storage of rechargeable devices is commonplace in today’s technology-driven
learning environments. Bruce Robins, director at fire trade supplier CheckFire, highlights the
unique fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries contained in these devices, and explores
the proactive approach required to protect staff and students, and ensure legal compliance.
In today’s digitally connected classrooms, the integration of
lithium-ion battery-powered devices, such as smartphones,
tablets, and laptops, has revolutionised how students learn and
communicate. Yet behind this digital convenience lies a growing
and often overlooked threat, and it would appear that many
remain largely unaware of the potentially devastating dangers
these items pose if not handled correctly.
reaction of events leading to difficult-to-extinguish fires that
release toxic gas and smoke. The explosive and self-sustaining
nature of this type of fire can cause rapid thermal runaway in
otherwise undamaged cells, bringing in the risk of collateral
fires that can spread to surrounding areas. It must also be
understood that, as with all fires, there is a danger of reignition
when the fire is thought to have been properly extinguished.
When manufactured and used safely and correctly, lithium-ion
batteries are not dangerous. However, if the battery somehow
gets damaged, by overcharging, malfunction or overheating, for
example, they pose a significant fire risk.
In the densely populated environment of an educational setting,
where dozens, if not hundreds, of devices may be in use or
charging simultaneously in classrooms, offices, and breakout
areas, this risk is compounded. Lithium-ion battery fires can
erupt without warning and are incredibly difficult to control
with fire extinguishers traditionally found in this setting that
teachers and staff will be familiar with – that is; water fire
extinguishers (for paper and wood fires), foam fire extinguishers
(for flammable liquid fires), and CO2 fire extinguishers (for
electrical fires), which are all prominent risks in this environment.
This necessitates the importance of educating all in authority
and ensuring a proactive approach to managing and mitigating
the unique fire risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
Lithium-ion battery fires are fast, intense, and difficult to
extinguish. For schools – where safety is imperative and fires
can have catastrophic impact on the entire community – this
requires a proactive approach to help combat the threat. As
educational environments become increasingly dependent on
rechargeable devices, those responsible for fire safety must not
only understand the risks of lithium-ion battery-powered
devices, but also know how to mitigate them and ensure the
right tools are in place to handle these unique fires.
The unique fire risk of lithium-ion batteries
In schools, colleges, and universities, the use of lithium-ion
battery-powered devices is widespread. These batteries are
found in laptops, tablets, mobile phones, e-readers, and
smartwatches, as well as e-bikes, e-scooters, and vapes. Yet,
many remain unaware of their dangers if they’re not maintained
or handled correctly. UK fire brigades now attend at least three
lithium-ion battery fires a day, according to insurance company
QBE. It found that reports of fires related to lithium-ion batteries
surged by 93% between 2022 and 2024 – a shocking statistic
that underscores a pressing need for the education sector to be
fully informed and adequately prepared to address these fires.
Unlike typical fires, involving paper, wood, or textiles in the
school setting, for example, lithium-ion battery fires are
chemically driven. However, the core danger here lies in a
phenomenon called thermal runaway, which is an
uncontrollable, self-heating state that occurs when a battery
cell becomes damaged due to overheating, manufacturing
defects, overcharging, or improper storage. Once a battery
temperature reaches 60°C and above, it triggers a chain
Legal responsibilities and how to ensure compliance
In England and Wales, fire safety in educational institutions
is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
2005 (RRFSO). This legislation places the legal duty on the
“responsible person” (typically the headteacher, governing
body, or facilities manager) to ensure the premises are safe from
fire risks, including emerging threats like those from lithium-ion
batteries, and that every reasonable step is taken to reduce the
risk of fire. Recently updated guidance now stipulates that
lithium-ion batteries should be considered in all fire risk
assessments – high-risk environments like schools must
ensure safety protocols are updated accordingly.
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.
