The ACCC has issued a safety alert on lithium-ion batteries. 

The competition regulator says the cells must be handled with care to avoid potentially deadly fires. 

Lithium-ion batteries are common in devices like phones, laptops, e-scooters, electric cars and many more. 

Though rare, incidents involving these batteries are increasing, causing fires that can be hard to extinguish. 

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe has expressed concern about property damage and injuries, including a reported fatality.

To ensure safety, consumers should follow charging guidelines, dispose of batteries correctly, and be vigilant for signs of damage. Proper disposal is crucial as lithium-ion batteries are more likely to catch fire in waste facilities.

The ACCC also calls for improved data collection on battery incidents and recommends recalls for unsafe products. State and territory governments should establish consistent regulations for these batteries.

Since 2017, the ACCC has received 231 product safety reports linked to lithium-ion batteries and has been notified of 23 supplier-initiated product recalls, with 20 recalls due to fire risk from overheating or short-circuiting.

LG Energy Solution Australia is recalling almost 17,000 home solar batteries in Australia because they may overheat and catch fire. Further information is on the Product Safety Australia website at LG’s recall and SolaX Power’s recall.

Consumers are encouraged to report safety incidents (including near misses) to the supplier involved and concerns about unsafe products to the ACCC at the Product Safety Australia website.