Hi all,

On account of their significant fire risk, Im looking for a bit of advice around safely charging lithium-ion batteries (we’re using four Milwaukee M18s) in the back of our welding vans. Fire risk is obviously a big concern since we’re also carrying propane, oxygen, aspen and thermite.

The vans are fitted with:

• Ventilation

• A propane alarm

• A fire extinguisher

• A separate leisure battery and inverter that powers the chargers

We don’t allow staff to charge batteries at home, so we need an onboard solution. What I’m trying to figure out is:

1. What’s the best type of containment or setup for charging these batteries, something fire-resistant but still well-ventilated? 

2. Should we only allow charging while the van is being driven, or is it safe to charge while parked and unattended?

3. Checklist, defect reporting.

Appreciate any insights or setups that have worked for others.

Thanks, 

Philip 

Personally I believe you are conflating general risks with charging battery powered tools and the extensive sensationalist reporting of battery fires associated with e-scooters, e-bikes and hover boards.

Whilst it is possible a battery operated tool may suffer knocks and drops these are no where near the abuse levels suffered by electric transport devices including kerb strikes and pot hole drops.

Quick look on the Office for Product Standards and Safety recalls site https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?product_category%5B%5D=hand-tools there are five reports for hand tools and only one for a Lithium powerbank (designed as a bike charger - Chinese manufactured / design fault).

Given how much effort the manufacturer will have applied to providing the market with a safe compliant product would it not be more sensible to start with their operating instructions rather than polling a forum?

After all the manufacturer instructions under PUWER are the equivalent of an SDS in COSHH assessment - a basis from which to start. This will likely include the kind of pre-charging inspection / defect identification.

IMHO not convinced charging should be occuring whilst driving you dont want anything unexpected and requiring attention happening when the driver should be focused upon the road. Got to ask but are the cabs sealed off from the load area given the propane and other possible gaseous leaks?

Then of course you could ask the client to make a socket and area available during site attendance.