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Control measure

Identify presence and type of rechargeable batteries

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Control measure knowledge

The presence of rechargeable batteries may not always be clear. Personnel should look for signs, labels or other indicators, such as heavy duty orange cabling or sources of renewable energy including solar panels, electric motors or wind turbines.

Personnel should gather information from responsible persons or Site-Specific Risk Information (SSRI) about the type, location and quantity of rechargeable batteries present, fixed installation systems and isolation points.

Early identification can reduce the risks associated with rechargeable batteries. For information about the identification of batteries in vehicles refer to Hazard – Roadways: Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Strategic actions

Fire and rescue services should:

  • Carry out pre-planning and site inspections to identify and record the type, location and quantity of rechargeable batteries 

  • Consider recording the location rechargeable battery isolation points or other controls in risk information

  • Identify and communicate the presence of rechargeable batteries in domestic properties

Tactical actions

Incident commanders should:

  • Gather information about the type, location and quantity of any rechargeable batteries

  • Communicate hazard information to personnel if rechargeable batteries being involved

  • Identify the presence of isolation points to enable safe isolation of batteries and voltages

  • Identify the presence of fixed installations to reduce effects of hazards from rechargeable batteries, such as extraction vents to remove unsafe gases