What extinguisher for lithium batteries?

[Guest CorinneMalt]

Please advise me which fire extinguisher you would advise to have next to a store of Lithium batteries. Please be more specific than just saying a Class D as when I put that into a supplier's catalogue I get lots of results.

[Tom Sutton]

It appears you should use graphite based dry powder extinguisher and If a graphite dry powder extinguisher is not available use copious amounts of fresh water as a fine spray to swamp the fire. In the USA they use halon 1301 but that is not available to us in the UK.

Check out http://www.nerc.ac.uk/about/work/policy/safety/documents/guidance_lithium_batteries.pdf

4. Emergency procedure for lithium batteries of all types.

• Clear everyone from the area

• Ventilate the area with fresh air

• Use a respirator, eye protection and gloves while clearing up

• Disconnect the cell or battery if practicable in a way that prevents sparks and avoids contact with internal components

• Put the cell or battery in a remote, well ventilated area

• Only trained and qualified personnel should attempt to fight a lithium or lithium ion battery fire.

• Use plenty of water as a fine spray to swamp and wash away spilt liquid that may be corrosive. Do not use damp solids or small amounts of water as this increases the risks.

• In the event of a fire the material inside the battery may be released; this may be toxic and corrosive. If possible fight small fires with a graphite based dry powder extinguisher. First Aid information on specific chemicals contained in the cell can be found at www.inchem.org (used for COSHH risk assessment chemical information).

• If a graphite dry powder extinguisher is not available use copious amounts of fresh water as a fine spray to swamp the fire. This will not extinguish the fire immediately and will result in the lithium generating hydrogen; this may fuel a fire or explosion if it is not managed. Continue to use plenty of water until the fire is extinguished and the batteries are cooled. Be aware of the increased risk of explosion.

• Report the incident to the local safety adviser.

[Safelincs]

There is a special extinguisher available for lithium fires. In case of batteries this will of course get tricky, as you will have to deal with lithium, as well as flammable plastics and other chemicals.

[Tom Sutton]

To add to the discussion check out http://www.fireextin...s-for-metals-2/ it deals with all types of metal fires including lithium.

You should bookmark http://www.fireextinguisherguide.co.uk/ its a good site for understanding fire fighting extinguishers.