EV charging: Six fire safety solutions for builders merchants

As growing numbers of employees, customers, and contractors arrive on-site in electric vehicles, builders' merchants face new fire safety responsibilities. EV battery fires are particularly challenging to manage – they burn extremely hot, are difficult to extinguish, and can reignite hours or even days after the initial fire appears to be out.

Here are six fire safety solutions to help you manage EV charging safely on your site.

1. Conduct a fire risk assessment that covers EV charging

Your existing fire risk assessment may not account for the specific risks of EV charging. A thorough review should consider:

• The location of charging points relative to buildings, emergency exits, and flammable materials
• The number and type of vehicles being charged
• The electrical infrastructure supporting the charging equipment
• Your fire detection and suppression capabilities

Reviewing or updating your fire risk assessment with EV-specific considerations is a strong starting point.

2. Consider charging point location carefully

Where you position EV charging points can significantly affect your fire safety risk. Best practice guidance recommends:

• Siting charging points away from buildings where possible, particularly away from emergency exits and escape routes
• Avoiding locations directly beneath or adjacent to combustible materials or structures
• Ensuring charging areas have adequate ventilation
• Maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles

3. Install appropriate fire detection

Standard smoke detectors may not provide adequate warning of an EV battery fire, which can smoulder or produce gases before igniting fully. Consider:

• Heat detectors in covered charging areas
• Gas detection systems where appropriate
• Alarms with adequate audibility across your site, including external areas

4. Review your fire extinguisher provision

Water is the most effective agent for EV battery fires, but the volumes required to suppress a thermal runaway event are typically beyond what a standard fire extinguisher can provide. Your fire extinguisher review should consider:

• Ensuring appropriate extinguishers are provided near charging points for initial response
• Reviewing whether your fire suppression infrastructure is appropriate for the scale of EV charging on your site
• Liaising with your local fire service to understand their approach to EV fires

5. Train your staff

Staff need to know what to do if an EV fire starts. Key training points include:

• Recognising the signs of a battery fire or thermal runaway
• The correct procedure for raising the alarm and evacuating
• Why standard firefighting approaches may not be effective for EV fires
• The importance of keeping access routes clear for the fire service

6. Review your emergency procedures

Your fire emergency plan should be updated to reflect the specific risks of EV charging on your site. This should include:

• Evacuation procedures for the charging area
• Guidance on when to attempt to move a vehicle and when not to
• Contact details for your local fire service
• A review of your business continuity arrangements in the event of a serious EV fire

If you would like support reviewing your fire safety arrangements in light of EV charging on your site, our team of fire safety consultants can help. Get in touch today.