VICTORIA. — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has updated its guidance for the sale and promotion of fire extinguishers marketed as suitable for lithium-ion battery fires, following advocacy from the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
While some extinguisher products may meet Australian Standards for use, there is currently no Australian Standard that tests or verifies the effectiveness of fire extinguishers on lithium-ion battery fires.
The updated ACCC guidance also highlights concerns that some products marketed for lithium-ion battery fires do not make it clear they are intended for use by trained firefighters only.
Additionally, the ACCC worked with suppliers to ensure product information provided to consumers reflects current safety advice.
CFA Senior Industry Fire Prevention Officer Paul Huntington said consumers needed clear information about what these products could and could not do.
“CFA has advocated for clearer information about extinguishers marketed for lithium-ion battery fires, and we welcome steps from the ACCC to ensure consumers understand the capabilities of these products,” Paul said.
“Lithium-ion battery fires can behave differently to other types of fire, so it is important consumers understand the limitations of the products they may be relying on.
“CFA wants people to make informed decisions about fire safety products, and these updated guidelines are an important step to ensure Victorians have clear and accurate information.”
Further information about lithium-ion battery safety is available at cfa.vic.gov.au/fire-safety/home-fire-safety/preventing-house-fires/battery-and-charging-safety.
CFA has also produced a fact sheet with further information for consumers.
CFA will not sell or service fire extinguishers marketed for lithium-ion battery fires until a recognised Australian Standards testing and accreditation process is in place.
