NT WorkSafe has issued a safety alert following an incident in which a cordless impact wrench, with the lithium-ion battery attached, exploded after being left on the back seat of a work vehicle over the weekend. The explosion ignited other material left on the seat and severely damaged the interior of the vehicle.

Lithium-ion batteries are prevalent throughout workplaces, powering mobile phones, laptops and power tools, among other things. This incident shows the potential dangers the batteries pose if they are not stored correctly.

NT WorkSafe Director Technical Services Anthony Waite said, “Lithium-ion batteries are classified as a dangerous good under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code”.

“This means there are specific requirements to package, store and transport these types of batteries, and the devices and equipment they are found in, due to the potential dangers the batteries pose,” he said.

“The main message we have is not to leave or store lithium-ion batteries in hot areas or in direct sunlight, as they can explode and cause a fire risk in your business or home.

“Fortunately in this incident, the vehicle was unoccupied and no one was injured.”

Click here to download the safety alert.