A new technical guidance document provides a comprehensive risk-based framework for the safe storage of lithium-ion batteries and products containing them in warehouses. The recommendations focus on asset protection and loss prevention from the perspective of warehouse operators, cargo owners and insurers.
The recommendation for storage of Lithium-Ion-batteries document highlights a fundamental characteristic of lithium-ion batteries: unlike most stored commodities, they can act both as a fuel source and as an independent ignition source. Even undamaged batteries may fail due to manufacturing defects or internal faults, while mechanical, thermal and electrical stresses significantly increase the probability of fire. Once thermal runaway occurs, fire development can be rapid, self-sustaining and extremely difficult to extinguish. Consequently, early detection and intervention are considered the most effective loss prevention measures.
Based on publications by other established institutions such as FM Global and the Association of German Property Insurers (VDS), and drawing on our experience from various cases, we have now developed a classification system for batteries into different risk groups, along with specific recommendations for each risk group.
Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of battery size, energy content and state of charge (SoC). In line with FM Global research, batteries stored at a state of charge of 30% or less present a significantly reduced fire severity and a lower likelihood of thermal runaway. The guidance therefore identifies low SoC as a key risk mitigation measure wherever operationally feasible.
The recommendations introduce a combination of basic and enhanced protection measures. Core requirements include rigorous incoming goods inspections, automatic fire detection systems, emergency removal concepts and dedicated storage arrangements for higher-risk products. For high-capacity batteries, separate block storage areas, enhanced inspection procedures, smoke detection and dedicated fire service access routes inside the building are recommended. Damaged or returned batteries should only be stored outside the warehouse building at a safe distance.
Overall, the document reinforces the principle that effective warehouse risk management for lithium-ion batteries requires a combination of prevention, early detection, physical segregation and rapid response capabilities to minimize the likelihood of catastrophic fire losses.
Download the full paper: BT – Recommendation for the Storage of Lithium-ion Batteries
