Lithium Battery Fires Release Toxic Gas

September 08, 2023

​The issue of moving or storing lithium batteries has been highlighted by recent issues with ship fires, but according to a report in The Loadstar, the TT Club have highlighted that these battery fires also release a toxic ‘off-gas’.

The gases pose an explosive risk and also the threat of death if inhaled, as they release carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride.

During lithium battery fires, first responders are at risk of breathing in these toxic chemicals, as the gases hug the ground and the traditional advice is to stay low to avoid inhalation of smoke.

Generally speaking, seafarers and professional firefighters will have access to breathing apparatus and PPE. However, in warehouses this is far less likely, and in some situations a first responder may initially attempt to fight the fire while just armed with a fire extinguisher.

Lithium battery fires continue to be the most talked about dangerous goods threat to the logistics industry. July’s fire on the ‘Fremantle Highway’ served as a reminder, when it claimed the life of one seafarer and injured many of the 24 crew members.

They have also been named as the cause or exacerbating factor in several other recent ship fires, including the ‘Felicity Ace’, ‘Diamond Highway’, ‘Grande America’ and ‘Grande Costa d’Avorio’. 

Evolution Forwarding specialise in dangerous goods movements, by air, ocean and road. We provide complete solutions for packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products, including lithium batteries. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.

 

 

 

brought to you by the dangerous goods people

Evolution Forwarding offer a range of dangerous goods and logistics services including packing, classification, training, DGSA services, air freight, ocean freight and road freight.

Follow us on social media

Ocean Carriers Clamping Down On Lithium Batteries

Ocean Carriers Clamping Down On Lithium Batteries

  Ocean Carriers Clamping Down On Lithium Batteries   Ocean freight carriers are starting to tighten up on the shipment of lithium batteries, which can no longer be loaded together with other dangerous goods. From October 1st, we understand that several...

read more
US Port Strike Seemingly Fast Approaching

US Port Strike Seemingly Fast Approaching

US Port Strike Seemingly Fast Approaching A major port strike is set to impact 36 ports on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, which could have a devastating effect on US ocean freight services from October if an agreement cannot be reached in the next week. Talks...

read more
Ammonium Nitrate Vessel Could Be A Floating Time Bomb

Ammonium Nitrate Vessel Could Be A Floating Time Bomb

  Owners of the cargo ship 'Ruby' seem to be desperately trying to find a place to dock and repair, after the vessel was damaged in a storm, but are being refused entry to several nearby ports. The vessel, carrying 20 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, left the northern...

read more
Jeopardy Of The Cape Of Good Hope Route

Jeopardy Of The Cape Of Good Hope Route

Jeopardy Of The Cape Of Good Hope Route   Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope was considered extremely dangerous during 'The Age Of Sail', when tall ships and wooden vessels ruled the seas, and the route is not without jeopardy even for today's modern container...

read more