Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular and can be found across a range of products, including phones, video doorbells, and mobility scooters. They do however create a significant fire risk hazard, with batteries failing quickly, fires being quick to develop and being very intense.

When this happens, there is an immediate and increased risk to people, including firefighters and property.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is seeing a significant increase in these types of fire, especially in e-bikes and mobility scooters, with the impact of the fires being devastating.

Video doorbells are becoming increasingly popular, however to protect the health and safety of our residents, consent will not be given to install these within communal areas and on front doors to protect our residents and protect escape routes in the event of a fire.

If you have a mobility scooter, please make sure you are speaking to your Development Manager about using a designated storage area if one is available within your development. If you are thinking of getting a mobility speaker please speak to your Development Manager first.

We are currently reviewing our CCTV policy and Mobility Scooter policy. If you would like to get involved in the review, please speak to your Development Manager if you have one, or send us an email.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue have issued advice on the use of devices with lithium-ion batteries:

• Always use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers as incompatible chargers and batteries increase the risk of fire
• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Never charge e-scooters overnight, instead do this during the day and outside of the home when possible.
• Always check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards
• Let the battery cool before charging and always unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and do not leave it unattended or charging while people are sleeping
• Ensure you have one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and check these are working every week
• In the event of a fire in your home, get out, stay out and call 999

They have also issued advice on signs that a lithium-ion battery may be failing (the five Ss):

• Swell - A battery swelling or bulging out of shape is a common sign of it failing
• Sound - failing lithium batteries may also make hissing or cracking sounds
• Smell - A strong or unusual smell coming from the battery may mean the battery is failing
• Stopping – If your battery stops charging, doesn’t fully charge or takes too long to charge, this can also be a sign
• Smoke – If your battery, bike or scooter is smoking, this means a fire has already started. Get out, stay out, call 999