By Charlotte Gore and Emma Thompson
The batteries used in EVs can start fires and explode if they ignite or overheat.(Supplied)
The firefighters' union has urged the federal government to reduce the risks posed by electric vehicles (EV) and other lithium-ion battery technologies.
Key points:The main firefighters' union says the public needs to be more aware of the risks posed by lithium-battery fires
EV fires are difficult to put out and can release toxic gases
After a crash, EV owners are advised to warn emergency responders that their car has a battery
The United Firefighters Union Australia (UFUA) wants regulation and public education campaigns for battery fires, both in vehicles and battery energy storage systems (BESSs), which are used in homes and businesses.
Lithium-ion batteries can start fires and even explode if they ignite or overheat.
UFUA national secretary Greg McConville said the union welcomed the growing use of EVs and BESSs to reduce harmful climate emissions.
However, he said the technologies posed unique hazards that authorities must address.
"New EV sales within Australia increased by 65 per cent in 2022, and with the rapidly increasing take-up of these, and BESSs, the issues are growing exponentially," he said.
"When the integrity of lithium-ion batteries is compromised, the energy they store is released as heat, known as 'thermal runaway'.
"This can cause fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish, while releasing an extraordinary array of deadly toxic gases.
"There's no greater likelihood of an EV fire than a combustion-engine car fire, but when they happen the risks are huge and the consequences are enormous."
'A new and emerging hazard'
Not all firefighters have joined the UFUA's call for new policies on battery fires, but most understand the potential dangers of responding to an EV collision.
ACT Fire and Rescue superintendent Greg Mason said less was known about EVs than other cars because they were newer, but firefighters took specific precautions at EV crash sites in Canberra.
"They are a new and emerging hazard for us but, as in the past, as new and emerging hazards have come to our attention, we developed in consultation with other fire services the best response to them," he said.
"What we try to do is — if the vehicle is not on fire — watch to see if there's any change in the state of the vehicle in regards to the battery pack on-board to see if we can determine whether [it] is still intact, that it's not going to go into a fire condition or a thermal-runaway condition.
Firies worried about rise in lithium battery fires
Queensland firies have had to deal with almost one residential fire a week caused by lithium ion batteries, and they're concerned that number will 'increase significantly' over coming years as the popularity of electric vehicles grows.
"It's reasonably straightforward, [but] it's something that's new to us as an industry, so we're still developing some of the finer techniques."
Mr Mason said it might seem obvious, but a crucial part of responding to vehicle collisions was determining whether any of the vehicles had a lithium-ion battery, so as to keep observing them.
To help first responders, electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles built after 2018 must have an identifying label on the front and rear number plates.
Mr Mason said this requirement was helpful but firefighters were not guarantee to see the labels.
He said owners should tell responders if their car had a battery as soon as possible after a crash.
"The label on the number plates is an indicator for us, but if the vehicle is damaged in such a way that it's not easily identifiable to us, then the owner's information – that their car is an EV or is a hybrid – is always a benefit," he said.
"In the past it used to be LPG vehicles. That system has carried over to EV and is definitely a great deal of assistance to responding crews."
Calls for education, training
Newer EVs must carry a blue label identifying the presence of a battery.
Lithium-ion battery fires release toxins such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride and cobalt.
Mr McConville said these toxins were particularly dangerous for firefighters because they were absorbed through the skin and clothing could not protect against them.
"[Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide] both prevent the body using oxygen, and cyanide affects organs that rely on high levels of oxygen, such as the heart and the brain," he said.
"We've already had a situation in Victoria where two firefighters suffered cobalt poisoning after attending an EV fire, and have now been permanently disabled as a result.
"These toxins also present a major risk to other emergency services personnel, such as police and ambulance officers, bystanders and the broader community, and as such every possible measure must be undertaken to mitigate their impact."
Mr McConville said more needed to be done to keep Canberrans safe.
"This must involve education of the public on the associated risks, and additional training and resourcing of firefighters to manage these extremely challenging incidents," he said.
"Building regulations relating to the installation and location of BESSs and charging facilities must also be overhauled to address the risks and hazards of fire.
"Additionally, research must be undertaken on health impacts of lithium battery fires on firefighters, and new methods and equipment developed to mitigate potential poisoning by lethal toxins.
"This is a major emerging policy challenge, which, for the safety of the firefighters and the community, we urge Australia's governments to confront with the commitment that our members demonstrate every day."
Lithium-ion battery fires release toxins such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride and cobalt.
Mr McConville said these toxins were particularly dangerous for firefighters because they were absorbed through the skin and clothing could not protect against them.
"[Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide] both prevent the body using oxygen, and cyanide affects organs that rely on high levels of oxygen, such as the heart and the brain," he said.
"We've already had a situation in Victoria where two firefighters suffered cobalt poisoning after attending an EV fire, and have now been permanently disabled as a result.
"These toxins also present a major risk to other emergency services personnel, such as police and ambulance officers, bystanders and the broader community, and as such every possible measure must be undertaken to mitigate their impact."
Mr McConville said more needed to be done to keep Canberrans safe.
"This must involve education of the public on the associated risks, and additional training and resourcing of firefighters to manage these extremely challenging incidents," he said.
"Building regulations relating to the installation and location of BESSs and charging facilities must also be overhauled to address the risks and hazards of fire.
"Additionally, research must be undertaken on health impacts of lithium battery fires on firefighters, and new methods and equipment developed to mitigate potential poisoning by lethal toxins.
"This is a major emerging policy challenge, which, for the safety of the firefighters and the community, we urge Australia's governments to confront with the commitment that our members demonstrate every day."
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