Aviva Sounds Alarm on Lithium Battery Risks as Over a Third of Consumers Remain Unconcerned
Despite the growing use of lithium-powered devices in Irish homes, more than one in three consumers (36%) remain unaware of the potential fire risks posed by lithium batteries, according to new research* commissioned by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva). The study reveals that while 64% of people express concern about these devices, a significant portion either underestimate the danger or take no precautions when charging them. This is despite the fact that the company has experienced a number of significant fire claims linked to faulty or damaged devices.
Most people will have at least one, if not multiple devices in their homes that contain lithium batteries. They are commonly found in rechargeable devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-scooters, power tools and e-bikes. Of the 64% of respondents to the survey who were concerned about these batteries, 23% were very concerned, while 41% claimed to be somewhat concerned. The 36% who reported no concern included 22% who were not very concerned, and 4% who were not concerned at all. Alarmingly, 10% admitted they had never even considered any potential hazards.
The Aviva survey found:
- The highest percentage of the 22% who were not very concerned aged 35-44 (30%) and 18–24-year-olds (29%), higher amongst men (26%) than women (18%).
- Some 12% of 35–44-year-olds have never thought about it, with 11% of those aged 55+ admitting the same.
Safety Measures:
When asked about what, if any safety precautions they take when charging their devices, the responses revealed a mixed picture. Encouragingly, 39% of consumers say they avoid charging devices overnight or when they’re not at home, and 30% ensure devices are placed on a non-flammable surface while charging. Nearly one in three (29%) always use the manufacturer’s charger, and 20% regularly inspect their batteries and chargers for signs of damage. However, 13% admit to taking no safety measures at all, and 16% claim not to own any devices with lithium-ion batteries – a figure that may reflect a lack of awareness about how widespread these batteries are in everyday electronics.
- Those who admitted to not taking any safety measures into consideration were those aged 18-24 and those aged 35-44, and again higher amongst men (15%) than women at 11%.
- Some 23% of those aged 55+ claimed not to own any device with a lithium battery.
“Lithium batteries can pose serious fire risks, and we’ve seen first-hand the extensive damage they can cause in both homes and businesses when safety guidelines aren’t followed. These batteries contain a mix of volatile chemicals, and issues such as physical damage, manufacturing defects, user modifications, or improper charging can trigger a dangerous rise in temperature – a phenomenon known as thermal runaway – which can quickly escalate into a fire that is extremely difficult to control. Many of these incidents occur while devices are charging.
Gillian Devereux, Senior Loss Adjuster, Aviva said.
“We strongly advise consumers to regularly inspect their chargers and batteries for signs of wear or damage. Devices should always be charged on non-flammable surfaces in well-ventilated areas, and never left unattended while charging. We would urge consumers to stay vigilant when using and charging lithium battery-powered devices, particularly as their usage continues to grow in Irish households. Following the simple safety steps will in turn reduce the risk of fire and protect both lives and property,” concluded Gillian Devereux.
Aviva’s Safety Checklist
Top Tips for Charging Lithium Battery Devices Safely:
- Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer
- Charge devices on a hard, non-flammable surface
- Avoid charging overnight or when you're not at home
- Keep charging areas well-ventilated
- Regularly inspect batteries and chargers for damage
- Never cover devices while charging
- Unplug chargers when not in use
*The survey was carried out by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva