Hospital group and golf club prohibit electric vehicle charging due to fire hazards

author: FutureCar Staff    

"When lithium-ion batteries overheat, they can ignite and cause fires that are difficult to extinguish. These fires can also emit potentially toxic smoke," according to a recent report.

The report highlights that overheating and fires can occur due to damage and improper use of charging equipment. It also warns that larger battery packs pose a significant risk if they overheat and catch fire, and some sprinkler systems may not be effective in controlling such fires.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in various equipment, including light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as electric scooters and e-bikes, as well as passenger vehicles like hybrid and fully electric cars.

Worksafe, an organization focused on workplace safety, advises employers to avoid using, storing, or charging electric plant or passenger vehicles in enclosed or restricted spaces unless the fire detection and suppression system is suitable for handling a lithium-ion battery fire.

In related news, the National Golf Club has recently banned the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) and golf buggies at its facilities. This decision comes after a fire broke out at the Eastern Golf Club in the Yarra Valley, which was attributed to lithium-ion batteries stored for recharging golf buggies. Questions have also been raised about the adequacy of the club's fire systems.

The ban at the golf club extends to dedicated EV charging stations. The club plans to decommission its EV charging station on the upper level car park and other three-phase outlets. In a message to its members, the organization emphasized the real risk of fire caused by battery charging and the potential threat to lives.

However, Emma Sutcliffe from EV Fire Safe argues that people are mistakenly combining road-registered passenger vehicles with personal mobility devices, causing confusion in discussions about safety concerns.

FutureCar Staff