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Monash Well being has banned electrical automobile (EV) charging at its hospitals and medical centres, citing a WorkSafe Victoria security alert warning EVs pose a hearth danger.
“When overheated, lithium-ion batteries of all sizes can catch fireplace. The fireplace is commonly exhausting to place out and the smoke from the hearth will be poisonous,” mentioned WorkSafe Victoria in its alert, printed on August 30, 2023.
WorkSafe Victoria recommends employers ought to “forestall the use, storage or charging of electrical plant or passenger autos in enclosed and restricted areas, except the hearth detection and suppression system is appropriate for the particular fireplace hazard (a lithium-ion battery fireplace).”
The suggestions from the federal government physique state autos with lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t be charged near workplace areas or close to folks.
“Present a devoted charging space that’s separate from areas the place folks work. Guarantee gear is stored inside fireplace resistant areas,” it reads, noting “the place applicable, change lithium-ion batteries with different batteries or energy sources which can be much less more likely to overheat and catch fireplace.”
In gentle of the protection alert, The Pushed stories Monash Well being – a Victorian state authorities hospital and medical centre group – has banned workers and members of the general public from charging their battery-powered autos on premises, together with electrical scooters and automobiles, citing the WorkSafe Victoria alert.
“Monash Well being staff should instantly cease charging their private Mild Electrical Automobiles (LEV) and Electrical Automobiles (EV) inside the confines of Monash Well being websites, together with all automotive parkng areas,” the alert reads per The Pushed.
In keeping with the information outlet, the protection alert excludes Monash Well being’s fleet of leased electrical automobiles, that are nonetheless permitted to cost within the designated electrical charging stations throughout chosen areas.
Monash Heath reportedly suggests EV drivers find various charging areas by means of apps like Plugshare.
“When overheated, lithium-ion batteries of all sizes can ignite, leading to fires which can be difficult to extinguish, with doubtlessly poisonous smoke emissions,” the Monash Well being discover reportedly reads.
“Elements resulting in overheating and fireplace embrace harm and the wrong use of charging gear.
“Bigger battery packs can pose a major danger if the lithium-ion battery overheats and catches fireplace. Some sprinkler methods might not be able to suppressing or controlling a big lithium-ion battery fireplace.”
Monash Well being isn’t the one organisation banning on-site EV charging.
The Pushed stories a hearth at Japanese Golf Membership within the Yarra Valley in Victoria – reportedly brought on by lithium-ion batteries – has prompted the Nationwide Golf Membership to ban charging EVs together with golf buggies at its amenities.
The Nationwide Golf Membership will reportedly decommission its devoted EV chargers at this time and different three-phase energy shops to stop the chance of fires.
“The chance of fireplace brought on by battery charging is actual, and except for any monetary penalties, presents a menace to lives, members and friends of the golf membership,” The Pushed stories the organisation mentioned in a message to its members.
Victorian property providers agency MICM, a completely owned subsidiary of Central Fairness, not too long ago really helpful EV chargers not be put in in its buildings till it receives steerage from the Federal Authorities, once more citing fireplace and insurance coverage dangers.
“I’ve learn the MICM EV Chargers Information and am deeply disenchanted by their advice to ‘maintain off on EV charging set up’ which is completely not backed by our information, or any international analysis I’m conscious of,” mentioned Emma Sutcliffe, mission director at EV FireSafe, calling the report “idiotic”.
EV FireSafe retains a database of verifiable worldwide passenger EV battery fires and tracks emergency response strategies that work.
“If MICM had been involved about charging gentle electrical autos, corresponding to e-bikes, scooters and skateboards of their buildings, then I might be extra sympathetic.
“Poor high quality, low cost gentle electrical autos (LEVs) are flooding the Australian market and inflicting every day battery fires, property losses, accidents and fatalities globally.
Ms Sutcliffe says EVs are inherently protected to function and cost so long as the high-voltage battery isn’t considerably broken.
MORE: EV battery fires uncommon, however on Australian Authorities’s agenda
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