Suppliers of lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers have amended their marketing claims after the ACCC raised concerns about potentially false or misleading representations in relation to safety standard compliance and appropriate use.
Specifically, the ACCC was concerned about potentially misleading claims that fire extinguishers intended for use on lithium-ion battery fires were compliant with Australian safety standards, when in fact there is currently no applicable standard covering the use of extinguishers on lithium-ion battery fires.
The ACCC was also concerned that the extinguishers marketed for use on lithium-ion battery fires did not clearly state that they were only suitable for use by trained fire-fighting professionals. The advice of relevant fire safety authorities is that such extinguishers are not suitable for use by members of the general public due to the toxic and highly volatile nature of lithium-ion battery fires.
The ACCC has engaged with suppliers to ensure that information provided to consumers is accurate, reflects current safety advice, and clearly states that there is no current Australian safety standard for these products.
"The ACCC expects businesses that supply lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers to ensure the products and any marketing materials state prominently that there is no Australian standard for lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, and that the extinguishers are only suitable for use by trained fire-fighting professionals. The ACCC's view is that lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers should not be marketed as being suitable for use by members of the general public," ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
"Lithium-ion battery fires can spread rapidly, produce toxic smoke and can be very difficult to extinguish. Fire authorities advise people to evacuate to a safe place and call 000, and not attempt to put out lithium-ion battery fires themselves," Ms Lowe said.
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in products used by Australians every day, including e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools, mobile phones and other rechargeable devices. The ACCC continues to focus on improving consumer awareness of safe lithium-ion battery use.
"Consumers should prioritise their safety. If a battery is hot, swollen, leaking or emitting fumes or odours, stop using it, unplug it if safe to do so, move people away from the area, and call 000," Ms Lowe said.
"The ACCC will continue to monitor developments in this area and will take action where appropriate to address potentially misleading representations to consumers," Ms Lowe said.
