Fire Safety Standards and Advisories for Workplaces that Store and Charge Larger Quantities of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Question:

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs on the mass storage and charging of larger quantities of lithium-ion batteries in workplaces (a) whether existing fire safety standards and advisories are adequate for such workplaces; and (b) whether additional measures are needed to mitigate fire risks at such storage facilities.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Fire Code stipulates the fire safety requirements for energy storage systems, including the storage and charging of large quantities of lithium-ion batteries in workplaces. These include the use of fire-rated compartments, with stipulations on the ma ximum stored energy that can be housed within each compartment, and the provision of higher discharge density sprinklers as well as mechanical ventilation systems to disperse any build-up of flammable gases.

2. These requirements, which referenced relevant international standards, were introduced after extensive consultations with the industry and other stakeholders. The Singapore Civil Defence Force regularly reviews the Fire Code, including such requirements, to ensure continued relevance and fitness for purpose.