Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in modern-day devices and appliances. Despite how common these batteries are becoming though, a lot of regulations and restrictions remain in place around shipping lithium-ion batteries by air, sea, rail or road. This is because lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable, and can catch fire or explode if they overheat, are crushed or punctured, or are damaged in some other way. Fires resulting from lithium-ion batteries can also be challenging to put out, and require specialised extinguishers to ensure they are completely extinguished and do not reignite. 

The exact restrictions in place around shipping lithium-ion batteries can vary from carrier to carrier. However, some of the most common rules for shipping lithium-ion batteries include limits on the number of batteries that can be included in a single shipment, clearly labelling shipments containing lithium-ion batteries, completing dangerous goods declarations, using certain packaging materials, and packaging devices in a way that ensures they cannot be accidentally switched on in transit. Also, lithium-ion batteries that have been punctured, crushed, damaged, or which are leaking should never be shipped. As soon as a lithium-ion battery becomes damaged, this significantly increases the risk of explosion and fire.

These restrictions are in place to ensure safety at every stage of the freight and transport process. Although these restrictions do a good job at reducing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and explosions though, it is impossible to eliminate this risk entirely, just as with any other type of battery. There is also always the risk that people may not declare or ship lithium-ion batteries or lithium-ion battery powered devices in the proper way.

For this reason, it is essential that any freight carrier has access to a specialised fire extinguisher that can quickly and effectively extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. Li-Ion Fire’s F-500 EA range is a leading brand in lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, offering freight carriers a safe and effective solution in the event of a fire or explosion.

With next-generation encapsulator technology and a non-corrosive multipurpose formula, Li-Ion Fire’s F-500 EA extinguisher range is an effective solution for cooling, controlling, and extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires. Find out more about how our extinguishers work and what makes Li-Ion Fire’s F-500 EA range special here Protection Against Lithium-Ion Battery Fires (lithium-ionfireprotection.com.au).

Our F-500 EA range comes in both Portable Fire Extinguishers and Mobile Extinguishers. We also offer a range of other solutions to assist marine and sea freight carriers to mitigate and respond to lithium-ion battery fires. Some of the solutions we offer include hose induction systems and CCTV fire detection cameras.

Our CCTV fire detection cameras use advanced imaging and infrared spectrum technology to ensure early fire detection and reliable monitoring. They can detect fires within seconds and will send real-time alerts, allowing you to respond quickly in the event of a fire. Our CCTV fire detection cameras use AI technology to enhance accuracy by up to 99% and reduces false alarms. The installation of specialised fire detection cameras is recommended to ensure early detection in high-risk shipping and freight areas.

We also offer hose induction systems. Our lay flat induction systems can be used to upgrade your existing hydrant system, taking them from being limited to Class A fires to allowing them to efficiently handle multiple fire classes, including Class A, B, D, F, and lithium-ion battery fires. This setup can be installed as a permanent fixed system near a hydrant valve or used as a mobile kit that can be carried to any landing valve.