Emerging Technologies: Lithium-Ion Battieries, Devices, Systems, and More

Addressing the Challenges of Emerging Technologies: Advancing Fire Service Policies for Safety and Preparedness

Today, technology is changing and improving at the fastest rate in history. Accelerating change has brought us valuable new innovations, but it has also created new threats to fire and life safety.

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Related Technologies

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in consumer devices to power cell phones, laptops, and micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, scooters, and more. While these batteries are a vital technology and serve many important functions, they also raise fire safety concerns. These batteries have been known to overheat, catch fire, and even cause explosions.

We must embrace new technologies, while managing our risks effectively.

CFSI supports legislation, funding, and policies that:

Educate and inform first responders, enforcement personnel, and others about the unique safety issues related to emerging technologies
Facilitate the development and distribution of information, education, and other resources needed to address the safety issues related to new technologies; and
Promote the use and enforcement of the most current consensus-based codes and standards that address new technologies.

What is thermal runaway?

Source: UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute

Fire Safety Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety from NFPA!

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

Current Legislation

Current Legislation

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

Summary:
This bipartisan legislation would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a safety standard for the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are used in micromobility devices.

Background:

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly used in consumer devices to power cell phones, laptops, and micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, scooters, and more.
While lithium-ion batteries are a vital technology and serve many important functions, they also raise some fire safety concerns. These batteries have been known to overheat, catch fire, and even cause explosions.
Ensuring that battery-powered products are held to appropriate safety standards can help mitigate the risks of defective products damaging property in fires and explosions—and even taking lives. S.389/H.R.973 would require the CSPC to issue a safety standard for these devices.

Click here to download the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act One Pager.

Status:
The bill has been introduced in the House and Senate (S.389/H.R.973).

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Emerging Technologies: Lithium-Ion Battieries, Devices, Systems, and More

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Related Technologies

What is thermal runaway?

Fire Safety Considerations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety

Current Legislation

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

CFSI Corporate Partners

About CFSI

Contacting CFSI

Follow CFSI

Nominator Information

Nominee Information