Emergency plan requirements at sites having lithium batteries
When a site or premises has a combined total of 25,000 kg or more of lithium batteries being used, handled, stored or installed, FRNSW recommend the site satisfy the requirements of clause 361 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (WHS Reg.).
Note: FRNSW consider the fire and life safety risk from bulk quantity of lithium batteries to be commensurate with manifest quantity hazardous chemicals.
Reference to lithium batteries includes lithium-ion, lithium-ion polymer and lithium metal polymer batteries, whether being standalone or integrated into a battery pack or system such as a battery energy storage system (BESS). Lithium batteries incorporated into electric vehicles and/or plant are included in the combined total if they are associated with the site or premises (e.g. owned, managed, stored or charged on the site).
In satisfying clause 361, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) of any applicable site or premises should lodge a copy of the emergency plan with FRNSW, which includes:
- the emergency plan developed under clause 43 of the WHS Reg.
- an Emergency Services Information Package (ESIP) prepared in accordance with FRNSW fire safety guideline Emergency services information package and tactical fire plans, available at fire.nsw.gov.au. The ESIP should include the following relevant information:
- a site plan which identifies the location, battery type or chemistry, and quantities of lithium batteries located on the site
- details of all associated fire safety measures and containment features of the site, and included within the tactical fire plans as appropriate
- a copy of the battery manufacturer’s recommendations including any isolation or shutdown procedures, and appropriate extinguishment method
- relevant and current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the lithium batteries at the site.
Any written recommendations made by FRNSW on the emergency plan, including within the ESIP, should be incorporated within the final emergency plan for the site.
Note: The relevant consent or regulatory authority may impose this position as a condition upon the PCBU (i.e. to submit a copy of the emergency plan and ESIP to FRNSW).
Updated: 5th December 2024