San Francisco enacts fire safety ordinance for lithium ion battery storage and charging

San Francisco County is taking a bold step to enhance public safety with a new ordinance aimed at regulating the use of lithium-ion batteries in powered mobility devices. This legislation, discussed at a recent government meeting, seeks to establish fire protection standards for devices such as electric bikes, scooters, and hoverboards, which have been linked to a rising number of dangerous fires.

The ordinance prohibits the use of damaged lithium-ion batteries and bans the assembly or reconditioning of batteries using cells from used batteries. It also mandates that the San Francisco Fire Department launch an educational campaign to inform residents about safe practices for charging and storing these batteries.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin highlighted the urgency of this legislation, referencing a significant fire incident in the Golden Gateway apartment complex caused by improperly charged scooters. He noted that the number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries has surged dramatically, from 12 incidents in 2018 to over 58 in 2022, resulting in injuries and even fatalities.

Assistant Deputy Chief Ken Coughlin, the San Francisco Fire Marshal, emphasized the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires, which can spread rapidly and are difficult to extinguish. He outlined the new safety standards, which include limiting the number of devices charged in a household, ensuring proper ventilation, and using appropriate charging equipment.

The ordinance is set to be forwarded to the California Building Standards Commission upon final passage, marking a significant move towards improving safety standards in the face of growing concerns over battery-related fires. As San Francisco continues to embrace micro-mobility solutions, this legislation represents a proactive approach to safeguarding residents while promoting the use of these essential transportation options.