Prevention measures for the use of Li-ion powered toys on board yachts

Existing vessel are generally not designed to accommodate storage and charging of lithium battery powered devices. Prior providing such e-devices on board, ensure that the vessel can fulfill necessary structural fire protection requirements.

Prevention measures and safety considerations:

• Never store nor charge lithium powered devices or spare batteries within living areas of the yacht. Living quarters are not designed for this purpose.
• Safety provisions shall be considered prior selecting an area for storage or charging. The main topics to consider being: ventilation (with exhaust directly outside), gas/smoke/heat detection, firefighting systems, surrounding hazardous areas, boundary cooling possibilities…
• Unless yacht builder, flag states and/or classification have approved an on-board dedicated enclosed compartment within structure for batteries charging with sufficient safeguards, charging should preferably be done on open deck under permanent crew supervision. That would minimize the risk of toxic gases accumulation as well as fire risk.
• When batteries are removable from their device and in case of spares batteries, it is highly recommended to dispose them inside certified fireproof container. Some systems offer the possibility to charge the batteries inside the container and are fitted with internal fire detection and suppression system.
• Above safety consideration regarding storage and changing areas apply aslo when certified fireproof containers are used.
• When the electric devices are stored outside, due consideration should be given to the risks of direct sunlight.
  

In this growing competitive market, manufacturers of battery Li-ion and equipment‘s can range from excellent to substandard. Many sellers offer the possibility to provide universal /adaptable batteries or chargers which can represent a serious threat. The risks of battery water ingress can largely vary depending on the design of battery internal sealing arrangements.

Prevention measures and safety considerations:

• Ensure that equipment is adapted to marine environment. Check the IP rating* of the equipments used or stored on board especially for equipment not initially intended to be used or stored in a marine environment (eg: scooters, electrical bikes).
• Select only reputable manufacturers that deliver materials with well known certification (like CE).
• Always use the manufacturer’s original charger and original spare parts.
• Batteries are to be kept dry. A particular care of the watertightness of the battery compartment is to be observed.
• Seals iwo connection port must be thoroughly and inspected to avoid water ingress and further hazards.
  

* IP rating : Ingress Protection rating. The IP code is composed by 2 numerals. The first numeral refers to the protection against solid objects and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust). The second numeral rates the enclosure’s protection against liquids and uses a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles).

Mishandling and mismanagement represent the major risk.

Prevention measures and safety considerations:

• Equipment’s being charged shall never been left unattended by the crew. A permanent crew supervision is necessary and will allow to react at early stage in case of suspicious behavior. Charging to be preferably done during daytime.
• Once the battery is fully charged unplug the charger immediately.
• All maker’s recommendation for each equipment used on board should be known by the crew and strictly followed up.
• Do not expose the batteries to extreme temperatures. Batterie storage locations shall be isolated from any flammable materials.
• Proceed with regular inspection of the equipment and look after any visual damage/defect and more especially prior charging. If any physical damages, malfunction or any suspicious condition (like leak) are noticed, stop immediately using the device, isolate and remove it from the boat at earlier opportunity.
• Ensure that on board electrical circuit/wiring and sockets are in good condition and that residual current devices are installed. Electrical cables must be approved for minimum current depending on the toys specification.
• Proceed with an on-board risk analysis and develop mitigation plan. Seek for marine specialist support to properly identify and address the risks.
• Prohibit the use of «power strips» for charging Li-ion devices.
• Place the battery or the device to be charged on a non flammable material surface.(this is also recommended in case of charging any domestic devices like phones, laptop, etc).
• Protect batteries and/or equipment’s from being mechanically damaged (that mean that equipment’s must be properly lashed to avoid drop and any shock given to the relative motion of the yacht and possible movement between components).
  

Prevention measures and safety considerations:

Crew awareness and training is of major importance to mitigate risk associated with Lithium powered equipment on board. Recent cases of yachts losses have demonstrated that the crew was not familiar with such hazards and was not trained to anticipate danger situations.

• Crew shall be trained in the safe operation, storage and charging operation of Li-ion powered equipment in accordance with makers recommendations.
• Crew must be familiarized with hazards associated with lithium batteries, with proper identification of damaged/suspicious equipment’s and with procedures for disposal any damaged equipment.
• Fire drills to be periodically carried out.
• In addition to regular firemen outfit and SCBA, up graded personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be available on board for handling of spilled electrolytes.
  

Battery spaces should be fitted with suitable monitoring devices incorporating fixed smoke, heat and gas detector.

Once smoke is detected means that situation is already critical. All means allowing an early critical situation shall be considered.

Prevention measures and safety considerations:

• In addition to the existing on-board firefighting equipment, the yacht shall be provided with specific fire extinguishers suitable for lithium batteries. Such extinguishers shall be placed outside of the storage/charging areas and readily available.
• Additional detection devices like off-gas detectors and IR/thermal cameras can allow to early identify thermal runaway process.
• Monitor ambient temperature of storage lockers (maximum temperature recommended by manufacturers shall not be exceeded).
• Ensure that capacity of fixed fire system is sufficient for the total fire load stored on board.
• Ship’s electrical supply to batteries being charged shall be immediately cut in case of early sign of fire.
• Remember about the risk of re-ignition even after a suppression of lithium battery fire.