In this IIL property lecture Geoffrey May will describe the hazards of using batteries and which types pose the greatest risk.

Batteries are used to power consumer electronics, portable equipment, for engine starting, motive power, standby systems, energy storage and electric vehicles. Lead-acid batteries continue to be used for many applications but the need for high energy density has brought lithium-ion batteries into general use. All batteries are self-contained energy sources and a potential fire hazard but higher energy density brings higher risk. The principal types of battery will be described and categorised according to their construction to indicate which types are more likely to cause fires and explosions. Toxic hazards will also be briefly discussed. The principal safety standards will be outlined. The lecture will conclude with a few case studies to show how a relatively minor battery fire can lead to major losses.

By the end of this lecture members would have gained and insight into:

-The main types of battery in use and the nature of hazards in use
-Which types of battery pose the highest risk
-How the use of batteries will increase in the future

Speaker Bio:
Geoffrey May is an independent consultant specialising in batteries and power systems and has been working in this field for many years. Prior to this he was Chief Technology Officer for Hawker Batteries (now EnerSys) and FIAMM.

Chair:
Simon Warren ACII, Senior Account Consultant, AIG.