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Friday, 5 December 2025
A hearing starting in the Coroners Court of NSW this month will focus on lithium-ion batteries, especially those used in micro-mobility vehicles.
It will look at general issues associated with these batteries and highlight the potential dangers of this technology in the lead-up to Christmas. The inquiry will also examine three deaths and four serious fires related to lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in common household items including e-bikes and e-scooters, electric cars, cordless vacuum cleaners, cordless tools, small electronics such as electric toothbrushes and electric shavers, vapes, and energy storage systems.
These batteries may fail at any time from over-charging, degradation, or damage due to dropping or piercing, resulting in an intense fire that is difficult to extinguish.
Data from Fire and Rescue NSW suggests lithium-ion batteries are causing approximately six fires in NSW per week, predominantly due to e-bikes, e-scooters and smaller household items.
So far this year there have been more than 290 lithium-ion battery fires in NSW, leaving 53 people injured. The number of injuries has more than doubled from 2024.
From December 15 to 17, Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce will hear from witnesses including Fire and Rescue NSW, the Environment Protection Authority and NSW Fair Trading about topics including the supply, charging and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, the associated risks and dangers, and levels of public and community awareness.
The inquiry will then resume on 24 August 2026 to examine the specific circumstances of fires at Guildford, Teralba, Cabarita Beach and Annandale between 2023 and 2025, two of which were fatal.
One man died during the Guildford fire in February, and two women died at Teralba last year. The inquiry will examine if any changes can be made to prevent similar deaths and fires in the future.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said:
“The Coroners Court of NSW is examining four fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, two of which were fatal. I extend my condolences to the three families who lost loved ones.
“It is important that public awareness is raised so future deaths and injuries might be prevented.
“During this Christmas and holiday season, I urge everyone to keep in mind the safety advice on lithium-ion batteries. Do not puncture or attempt to modify the battery or the device it is in.
“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-ion 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-ion battery powered device, get out and call triple zero.”
For more information on safely using and disposing of lithium-ion batteries, please go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/energy/shop-charge-and-recycle-lithium-ion-batteries-safely
LITHIUM BATTERY SAFETY TIPS
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