Suppliers of lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers have amended their marketing claims after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) raised concerns about potentially false or misleading representations about safety standard compliance and appropriate use.
The ACCC was concerned about claims that extinguishers intended for lithium-ion battery fires complied with Australian safety standards, when there is currently no applicable standard covering the use of extinguishers on lithium-ion battery fires.
The ACCC also raised concerns that products marketed for lithium-ion battery fires did not clearly state they were only suitable for use by trained fire-fighting professionals.
Advice from relevant fire safety authorities is that these extinguishers are not suitable for members of the general public because of the toxic and highly volatile nature of lithium-ion battery fires.
The ACCC has engaged with suppliers to ensure information provided to consumers is accurate, reflects current safety advice and clearly states there is no current Australian safety standard for these products.
“The ACCC expects businesses that supply lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers to ensure the products and any marketing materials state prominently that there is no Australian standard for lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, and that the extinguishers are only suitable for use by trained fire-fighting professionals,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“The ACCC’s view is that lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers should not be marketed as being suitable for use by members of the general public.”
Lowe said lithium-ion battery fires could spread rapidly, produce toxic smoke and be very difficult to extinguish.
“Fire authorities advise people to evacuate to a safe place and call 000, and not attempt to put out lithium-ion battery fires themselves,” she said.
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in products including e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools, mobile phones and other rechargeable devices.
The ACCC said it would continue to focus on improving consumer awareness of safe lithium-ion battery use and monitor developments in the area.
Consumers should prioritise their safety if a battery is hot, swollen, leaking or emitting fumes or odours.
The ACCC advises consumers to stop using the battery, unplug it if safe to do so, move people away from the area and call 000.