The Coroners Court of NSW will hold an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries, amid concerns that the batteries are causing approximately five fires in NSW per week.

Lithium batteries are used in a variety of items including e-bikes and e-scooters, electric cars, cordless vacuum cleaners, energy storage systems, and small electronics such as electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, and vapes.

The Coroners Court is currently investigating multiple reports of fires involving lithium batteries, including some that have sadly resulted in fatalities. We have been working with Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police to monitor this emerging issue.

A key role of the Coroner is to examine unnatural and unexpected deaths, as well as fires and explosions that cause serious injury or damage to property. A Coroner can make recommendations on any practices, policies or laws that could be changed to prevent future tragedies.

This inquest into lithium battery fires will examine if any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future.

In the year to date, there have been more than 275 Lithium-ion battery fires in NSW – a number that is growing year-on-year. This is an average of five fire incidents per week. 

According to initial investigations by Fire and Rescue NSW, these fires are predominantly caused by e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and smaller household items. Since the start of this year, fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries have left 26 people injured and resulted in 876 evacuations in NSW.

This week, the NSW Government launched a safety campaign to educate consumers on how to reduce their risk when using Lithium-ion batteries. Read more here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/energy/shop-charge-and-recycle-lithium-ion-batteries-safely

State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said, “My role as the State Coroner is to investigate sudden and explained deaths, fires, and explosions, and recommend changes that could stop tragic mistakes from being repeated.

“We have seen a recent trend of fires being caused by items containing Lithium-ion batteries, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Sadly, these fires have resulted in lives being lost.

“At this time of year, when people are buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, I would urge everyone to follow the safety advice on Lithium-ion batteries.

“Make sure you only buy products that comply with the Australian standard. Use an approved charger, charge while you’re at home and awake, and unplug when the battery is full.

“Store lithium battery devices away from exits and sleeping areas so you have time to escape if a fire does start.

“Know the signs to look out for: if there is a strange odour, vapour, smoke, or a strange sound coming from a lithium battery-powered device, get out and call triple zero.”