Beyond the Battery: Managing Modern Fire Risks in the Smart Workplace

The modern UK office looks very different than it did a decade ago. We have traded desktop PCs for high-powered laptops, traditional commutes for e-mobility, and standard breakrooms for hubs filled with “smart” gadgets.

While these technologies drive efficiency, they also introduce a new category of “hidden” fire risks. For building managers and fire safety officers, staying compliant now requires looking beyond the obvious hazards. At Thor Fire, we believe that understanding the intersection of smart technology and fire safety is essential for any modern Risk Assessment.

The Lithium-Ion Challenge: A New Kind of Fuel

The most significant shift in workplace fire safety is the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries. From smartphones and tablets to e-bike batteries brought in by staff, these power sources are now everywhere.

Unlike traditional electrical fires, a lithium-ion battery fire can lead to “thermal runaway.” This is a rapid, self-heating cycle that produces intense heat and toxic smoke which is incredibly difficult to extinguish.

Key Risk Factors:

• Charging Unattended: Leaving devices to charge overnight or in unoccupied areas.

• Poor Quality Hardware: Using non-manufacturer approved (aftermarket) chargers that lack safety cut-off features.

• Physical Damage: Batteries that have been dropped or crushed are significantly more likely to fail.

Smart Technology and Electrical Overload

“Smart” offices often require an increase in the number of connected devices. This frequently leads to the dangerous use of multi-way adaptors and “daisy-chaining” extension leads.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that electrical installations must be suitable for their environment. If your building’s infrastructure was designed for a 1990s power load, the modern demand for constant charging could be straining your wiring, leading to overheating within walls or floor voids.

Cyber Security: An Unexpected Fire Hazard?

It may sound like science fiction, but the security of your “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices has a physical safety component. If a smart device or a connected building control system is compromised by a cyber-attack, its safety protocols could be overridden.

A device forced to operate outside its designed parameters can overheat. As a property manager, ensuring that your IT team and facilities team are communicating about device firmware and network segregation is now a vital part of your fire prevention strategy.

Practical Steps to Update Your Fire Risk Assessment

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, the “Responsible Person” must identify and control these evolving risks. Here is how to modernise your approach:

1. Audit Your Charging Zones

Identify where staff are charging personal devices. Are e-bike batteries being charged in corridors or near fire exits? The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) strongly advises against charging large batteries in escape routes. You should designate specific, ventilated areas for high-capacity charging.

2. Implement a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) Policy

Create clear rules for what can be plugged into your building’s circuits. Require that any personal chargers used on-site are in good condition and, where possible, include them in your annual PAT testing rotation.

3. Review Your Detection Strategy

Standard smoke detectors are vital, but you may need to reconsider their placement. If you have a dedicated room for charging mobility aids or staff e-scooters, ensure it has enhanced detection and appropriate fire separation to contain a potential battery incident.

4. Staff Awareness Training

Your team is your first line of defence. Train staff to recognise the “warning signs” of a failing battery:

• The device feels unusually hot to the touch.

• The casing appears swollen or deformed.

• There is a persistent “sweet” or metallic smell.

• The device makes subtle hissing or cracking sounds.

Professional Support for Modern Compliance

Fire safety is no longer a “set and forget” task. As technology evolves, your maintenance and risk mitigation strategies must follow suit. Whether it is ensuring your wet risers are ready to handle a high-rise incident or updating your fire alarm system to account for new battery charging zones, professional oversight is key.

At Thor Fire, we help UK property managers navigate these complex regulations. Our team provides the expert audits and maintenance services needed to keep your workplace safe, compliant, and ready for the future.

Is your Fire Risk Assessment up to date for 2025?

The landscape of workplace risk is changing fast. If you need a professional review of your building’s fire safety systems or a fresh look at your risk assessment, our Oldham-based experts are here to help.