Key Insights
Lithium-ion batteries power almost everything in the modern workplace, from laptops and power tools to electric forklifts, buggies, and fleet vehicles.
Fire Protection for Lithium-ion Batteries
As the use of Lithium-ion batteries grows, so does the fire risk they bring into charging areas, storage rooms, and car parks.
Understanding that risk is the first step. Protecting against it is what matters most.
Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are a Serious Threat
When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can enter a process called thermal runaway, a violent chain reaction where one or more cells rupture, releasing toxic, flammable gases and generating an extreme, self-sustaining fire that is extraordinarily difficult to extinguish.
These fires are:
- Extremely hot and fast burning, quickly overwhelming standard suppression systems
- Toxic, releasing fumes dangerous to anyone in the vicinity
- Prone to explosion, causing extensive damage to structures and people
- Difficult to contain, placing enormous strain on emergency services
The risks are real and increasing. The ACCC has reported a significant rise in lithium-ion battery incidents, receiving 231 product safety reports over the past five years. An example: a ferocious blaze destroyed the Yarra Valley Golf Club clubhouse in Victoria, traced back to electric buggies charging in a storage room.
The Right Approach: Passive Fire Protection
Where ignition risks cannot be fully eliminated, the goal is containment, stopping a fire from spreading before it becomes catastrophic. This is where specialised passive fire protection becomes essential.
Progressive Materials supplies a range of Promat fire protection systems specifically suited to lithium-ion battery charging areas, storage rooms, and EV car parks. These non-combustible, high-performance solutions can be installed in new builds or retrofitted into existing structures to create dedicated, fire-rated zones.
Our Fire Protection Solutions
PROMATECT® 100: Walls & Ceilings
Ideal for lining charging rooms and storage areas, PROMATECT® 100 delivers up to 4 hours of fire protection with superior insulation, high flexural strength, and a smooth, workable surface that’s easy to cut and install. Cost-efficient and highly effective.
PROMATECT® H: Concrete Structures
A lightweight system offering excellent thermal resistance with flexible design to suit a wide range of commercial applications. Achieves up to 4 hours of fire compartmentation, making it well suited to multi storey car parks and larger EV charging installations.
PROMATECT®-XS: Structural Steelwork
Built on PromaX® technology, PROMATECT®-XS is a second generation fire protective board combining efficient structural steel protection with ease of installation, high quality surface finishing, and enhanced moisture and mould resistance.
Protect Your Charging Areas Before It’s Too Late
As EV adoption accelerates, charging infrastructure is appearing in more workplaces, car parks, and facilities than ever before. Without proper fire rated compartmentation, a single battery failure can escalate into a disaster.
Progressive Materials can help you design and implement a passive fire protection solution that meets current safety standards and protects your people, property, and business.
Contact our team at info@progressivematerials.com.au to discuss your specific requirements.
