Lithium-ion battery safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many everyday devices, including mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes and e-scooters. Fire Rescue Victoria is responding to an increasing number of house and garage fires across Victoria, including within Hobsons Bay, linked to unsafe charging practices and damaged batteries. Many of these incidents are preventable.

Residents are reminded to:

  • Always use the charger and battery designed for each device.
  • Unplug devices once fully charged.
  • Never charge devices on beds, couches or carpet.
  • Avoid charging overnight or when you are not home.
  • Keep e-bikes and e-scooters clear of exits and living spaces.
  • Stop using batteries that are damaged, swollen or overheating.
  • Test smoke alarms every month—because only working smoke alarms save lives.
  • Never place lithium-ion batteries in household rubbish or recycling bins, as they can ignite when crushed in collection trucks or waste.
  • Dispose batteries safely at council battery collection points as outlined on our Electronic waste webpage.

LGA and Fire Rescue Victoria encourage residents to watch the FRV Lithium Ion Safety 1 DC Fischer video and take a moment to check charging habits at home.

For more battery safety advice, visit: Battery safety for consumers | frv.vic.gov.au

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