With emerging technologies being introduced into the Food and Drink industry, especially Electric Materials Handling Equipment we refer our members to the following article from the London Fire Brigade (LFB). LFB give safety tips to delivery drivers using e-bikes following a growing number of fires in the capital.

Firefighters across London are meeting delivery drivers to give them safety advice in a bid to reduce the growing number of e-bike fires that are happening in the capital.

The delivery driver engagement activity is part of the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign. It aims to highlight the fire risks associated with lithium batteries which are commonly used with e-bikes.

The outreach work with delivery drivers follows incidents where fire crews have found delivery bags at the scene of fires.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis said: “We are focussing on reaching out to delivery drivers using e-bikes, and the companies that employ them, to reduce the risk of fires.”

The Brigade is also reaching out to delivery companies such as Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats, so they can support efforts to provide urgent safety messages to their drivers, in order to prevent ferocious fires associated with e-bikes and lithium batteries when they fail.

Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis continued: “We know that there’s been a surge in people ordering food to be delivered to their door. In order for that hot dinner to arrive quickly, it makes sense to employ delivery drivers who can work around the clock, who can hop on an e-bike and get to a pick-up point and doorstep speedily. The benefits for e-bike users are numerous: no fuel costs or emissions. Sadly, there are cons too – we’re seeing deadly fire risks all too often at the moment.

“We want to make sure employees who buy an e-bike for work are aware of how to use their e-bikes safely. We’ve attended over 158 e-bike and e-scooter fires from the start of 2022, to the end of March this year. There’s been 78 injuries and some fatalities. There’s no time to waste in making sure that e-bike users know how to protect themselves and loved ones.”

In 2023, on average, London Fire Brigade has been called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every two days – a 60 per cent increase in the rate of these fires compared to the same period as last year. According to data collected by the Brigade, most people injured in fires related to e-bikes and e-scooters are in their 20s, and often the fires are in homes where multiple adults are living together without children. The most risky time for e-bike and e-scooter fires to take place are when charging batteries. This is the time that batteries are most likely to fail.

Safety tips

LFB’s advice for all e-bike users to follow is as follows:

• Never block escape routes with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Store them somewhere away from a main through route. LFB advice is to store these items in a safe location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They pose a higher risk of fire.
• Check the battery and charger meets UK safety standards.
• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – if it’s hot to the touch or has changed shape.
• Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
• LFB have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they’ve been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.
• Let the battery cool before charging.
• Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure. If charging batteries indoors, the LFB’s advice on safe charging should be followed.
• Unplug the charger once it’s finished charging.
• Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging; LFB advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
• Fit alarms where charging takes place. Ensure there are smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.

London Fire Brigade
April 2023