Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Why UK Rules Aren’t Enough

Regulations help, but safe storage is key to preventing disaster

New UK regulations are helping to reduce the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the e-bike sector, but they only go so far. Even the most advanced, high-quality batteries can become dangerous if damaged, poorly stored, or handled without the right precautions. As the law catches up with technology, businesses must look beyond compliance and take a proactive approach to lithium-ion battery safety across the board.

New lithium-Ion battery regulations are a step forward

In December 2024, the UK government issued new statutory guidelines through the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), aimed at curbing fire risks from lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. These rules require all such batteries, including those sold online and in conversion kits, to be equipped with mechanisms to prevent thermal runaway, a dangerous process that can cause fires or explosions.

Then in July 2025, the UK Product Regulation and Metrology Act became law, expanding the regulatory framework significantly. The Act makes lithium-ion batteries a “priority product” and mandates:

• The creation of safety, performance, labelling, and environmental standards.
• New legal duties for online marketplaces to prevent the sale of unsafe battery products and to enforce third-party safety certifications.

These measures are timely and necessary, especially as e-bike and e-scooter fire incidents have been on the rise. But battery safety doesn’t end with consumer devices, and neither should the conversation.

Safety mechanisms help, but they’re not foolproof

While built-in safety mechanisms such as thermal cut-offs and protective casings can reduce risks, they are not infallible. Batteries can still become dangerous if physically damaged, improperly stored, or exposed to environmental hazards. In some cases, damage may be internal and invisible until a failure occurs.

Even well-designed batteries are vulnerable when handled carelessly or stored in unsuitable conditions, meaning compliance with regulations is only part of the solution.

The bigger picture

Lithium-ion batteries are now used in everything from consumer electronics and power tools to industrial energy systems and electric vehicle fleets. According to QBE Europe, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries from multiple sources have doubled in just two years. And while regulatory efforts targeting specific categories—like e-bikes—are essential, they do not address a core risk shared by all lithium-ion batteries: safe storage.

What safe storage for lithium-ion batteries really looks like

To supplement regulation and reduce risks across all battery types, industry best practice, particularly in storage, must become the standard. Current recommendations include:

• Temperature Control – Batteries should be stored in cool, dry environments, ideally between 40-80°F (room temperature is acceptable), away from direct sunlight, water, and humidity to prevent overheating and degradation.
• Protection from Physical Damage – Store batteries in secure, well-ventilated Fire-Rated metal cabinets or containers to prevent accidental damage, which could increase the risk of short-circuiting or fire.
• Isolation of Terminals – Use terminal covers to prevent contact with other terminals or metal surfaces, which could lead to short-circuits.
• Separation from Flammable Materials – Keep lithium-ion batteries away from other flammable or combustible items to reduce the risk of fire spread in case of an incident.
• Fire Protection Systems – Install sprinkler systems or, where not feasible, have fire suppression media like dry powder, carbon dioxide suppressants, or water mist on hand. However, in case of a fire, flooding the battery with water is the primary method for controlling lithium-ion fires.
• Fire Risk Assessments – Conduct regular fire risk assessments, especially in facilities storing larger quantities of batteries, to ensure fire safety compliance and readiness for any emergency. •   Monitoring for Overheating – Use thermographic cameras to detect hot spots and monitor batteries for signs of overheating or “thermal runaway” events, where a battery overheats uncontrollably.
• Battery Condition Checks –  Regular inspections for signs of damage or aging can help prevent incidents. Damaged batteries should be removed immediately from storage and isolated to minimise risks.
• Use of Fire-Rated Cabinets – Where possible, store batteries in Fire-Rated cabinets specifically tested and certified to withstand high temperatures for prolonged periods. Unlike basic fire-resistant storage, fire-rated cabinets provide verified protection in the event of a fire, reducing the risk of heat-induced thermal runaway and fire spread.

These practices don’t just protect assets; they protect people and help businesses stay aligned with fire safety laws and insurance requirements.

Work with experts to get it right

Despite increasing regulation, misunderstandings and risky storage practices are still widespread. That’s why working with experts is essential.

At Chemstore, we specialise in lithium-ion battery safety, offering everything from fire-resistant storage and advanced thermal monitoring to staff training and risk assessments. Our work with major brands across multiple sectors has made us a trusted name in an industry where the risks are evolving fast.

Regulations are finally catching up to the lithium-ion battery boom, but they’re not enough on their own. Safe storage must be part of every organisation’s safety strategy, especially as batteries become more common in both everyday tools and critical infrastructure.

Chemstore is here to help you navigate this complex, high-risk area. Whether you handle small quantities of batteries or manage large-scale energy storage systems, our award-winning tailored solutions help ensure your operations remain safe, compliant, and ready for the future.