FRNSW issues lithium-ion battery warnings after explosion and corrosive gas cloud

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is warning the public to be especially cautious when handling damaged lithium-ion batteries after a man was seriously injured in an explosion in Wollongong earlier this week. Around on Tuesday 18 October, a worker was disposing of numerous lithium battery chip components at the North Wollongong site, when a chemical reaction occurred, causing an explosion. The worker tried in vain to douse the flames using a nearby hose. The reaction also created a cloud of corrosive vapour which led to the man suffering second-degree burns to 20-per cent of his body, including his face and chest. Bystanders used the hose to wash the victim down as firefighters from the Wollongong, Balgownie and Bulli Fire Stations arrived at the scene. He was treated at the scene by firefighters and NSW Ambulance paramedics, and transferred to hospital. No-one else was injured in the incident. While the incident involved uncommon materials and processes, the public is advised to be careful when dealing with lithium-ion batteries that have been damaged. Further FRNSW advice about Lithium-ion battery safety can be found at: [external link] Information on current FRNSW research on the Safety of Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies is also available at: