Battery fires are an increasingly relevant concern for electronics recycling facilities. | zeyaman/Shutterstock
A recently published guidance document helps recycling facilities draft plans to avert and mitigate fires.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) released the electronic publication Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan, which was developed by fire science, insurance and scrap recycling industry professionals.
“This guidance document provides information on how to prepare a fire prevention plan, fight incipient stage fires, and to be prepared in the event of a crisis management scenario,” Scott Wiggins, vice president of environment, health and safety for ISRI, stated in a press release. “Even if your facility has an existing plan, this is a valuable tool to help you review your operations and make any necessary improvements.”
ISRI plans to review and update the document at least once a year, according to the release.
Battery fires are an increasingly relevant concern for electronics recycling facilities, as more and more types of devices with lithium batteries enter the end-of-life stream. The batteries must be removed before the device is sent into a shredder.
But e-scrap experts have noted that many electronics are not designed to have their batteries replaced, so removing them by hand is laborious and can result in battery damage, which can mean sparks and fires.
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