This article was originally published in
Insurance Day, August 2023.
Lithium-ion batteries have given rise to a number of fires
recently and are the subject of considerable concern throughout the
logistics industry.
Typically, lithium-ion battery fires occur for a number of
reasons including internal manufacturing defects; physical damage;
electrical abuse; and thermal abuse. These then cause a
"thermal runaway" in a cell which propagates through
other cells and gives rise to explosion or fire.
Such batteries, and the products in which they are used, need to
be moved, stored and handled. The logistics industry cannot simply
refuse to deal with lithium-ion batteries, despite the risks
involved. Those forwarders dealing with the motor industry,
electronics industries and the movement of consumer products will
have to adapt to the carriage of lithium-ion batteries (or products
which include such batteries) if they intend to stay current and
continue in business.
