The ACCC is seeking input on ways to reduce the significant fire and safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or explode, particularly when used, charged or stored incorrectly.
An issues paper published today, will help the ACCC to better understand the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and inform recommendations to reduce the chances of fires, injuries and property damage.
Submissions are sought from a range of stakeholders including consumers, consumer safety advocates, industry associations, regulators, fire authorities and industry suppliers.
"Lithium-ion batteries are extremely volatile and we are very concerned about the growing number of fires and injuries linked to them. We are particularly worried as these rechargeable batteries have rapidly become regular household items as they are contained in mobile phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
"During the past five years we have received over 200 product safety reports about products with lithium-ion batteries including more than 20 product recalls in Australia, most of which related to consumer products such as laptops and loudspeakers."
So far, the ACCC has identified some key safety issues which are causing incidents with lithium-ion batteries including:
- Manufacturing defects
- Aftermarket chargers that are incompatible with the device or non-compliant
- Overcharging - where devices are left on charge and the battery does not protect against overcharging
- Overheating - when a device is stored in a hot or poorly ventilated environment
- Puncture - when the barrier breaks between the liquid electrolyte and the electrodes, causing the device to short-circuit
"Unfortunately, fires linked to lithium-ion batteries tend to escalate quickly and are very difficult to extinguish, which means there is a high risk of property damage or injuries. That's why it is critical to find out as much as we can about lithium-ion batteries now, so that we can recommend ways to tackle these issues and reduce the risks," Ms Rickard said.
The ACCC is also seeking input on alternative risk mitigation strategies, including whether regulatory options or regulatory framework changes are needed to address any risks.
Submissions to the lithium-ion issues paper are due by 3 February 2023 and can be made here
