Lithium battery fire risks are rising: what every workplace and FM contract must address now
A growing safety issue is starting to affect workplaces across the UK.
Lithium-ion batteries, used in everything from e-bikes and tools to vapes and mobile devices, are now linked to a rising number of fires. Fire services are responding to incidents far more frequently than just a few years ago.
For facilities management, cleaning and support services, this is not a niche risk. It is becoming part of everyday site safety.
What has happened?
Fire experts are warning that lithium battery fires are increasing rapidly. These fires behave differently from traditional fires. They can ignite suddenly, burn intensely, and are harder to control.
In some cases, they have caused major disruption to buildings, transport hubs and commercial sites. Improper storage, charging and disposal are key causes.
Why this matters for FM and cleaning
This risk sits across multiple services, not just fire safety.
It affects:
- workplace safety
- cleaning operations
- waste handling
- storage and logistics
- contractor behaviour
For example, batteries disposed of incorrectly can ignite in bins, bin stores or waste vehicles. Charging areas can become high-risk zones if not managed properly.
This means FM providers need to treat battery risk as a cross-service issue, not a standalone hazard.
What this means for small businesses
For smaller businesses, the main risk is awareness.
You may already have lithium batteries on site without realising the level of risk. Basic steps like safe charging, correct disposal and clear guidance can significantly reduce that risk.
The key is not complexity. It is consistency.
What this means for medium and large organisations
For larger organisations, the challenge is control across multiple sites.
Questions to ask include:
- Are battery charging areas controlled and monitored?
- Are waste contractors handling batteries correctly?
- Are cleaning teams aware of battery risks in bins?
- Is there a clear process for damaged or defective devices?
Without consistent standards, the risk multiplies quickly.
What this means for public sector buyers
Public sector estates, transport hubs, housing and education sites are particularly exposed due to higher footfall and device usage.
Battery risk now sits alongside fire safety, ESG and duty-of-care responsibilities.
Buyers should expect suppliers to understand and manage this risk in a practical, visible way.
What this means for contractors
For contractors, this is about integration.
Battery risk touches:
- cleaning teams
- waste management
- maintenance teams
- front-of-house operations
Every part of the service needs to be aligned. If one part fails, the whole system is exposed.
What to check now
Start with five practical checks:
- Charging areas – are they safe, supervised and suitable?
- Waste streams – are batteries being separated properly?
- Staff awareness – do teams know the risks?
- Storage – are damaged batteries handled safely?
- Contractor alignment – are all service providers following the same rules?
Where TPMG FM fits in
This is where structured FM delivery makes a difference.
At TPMG FM, risks like this are managed across the full service model, not in isolation.
That means:
- aligned cleaning and waste processes
- clear supervision
- consistent site standards
- practical compliance support
As new risks emerge, the value of a controlled, joined-up service becomes more important.
If your organisation needs to review fire risk, waste handling or workplace safety in light of emerging battery hazards, TPMG FM can help you build a safer, more controlled service environment.
