CIEH joins Electrical Safety First's Battery Safety Campaign

Today, The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) announced their support of Electrical Safety First’s ‘Battery Breakdown’ Campaign. Joining a coalition of concerned organisations, CIEH is calling upon the newly elected Government to urgently address the alarming rise in fires from e-scooters and e-bikes since 2020 as well as the risk of injury and fatalities associated with these fires.

Often seen as decarbonised transport solution for the transition to Net Zero, the UK has seen an increased use of e-scooters in recent years. As the voice of environmental health since 1883, CIEH is concerned with the unintended health and safety consequences of the increase in e-micromobility. The risks associated to these fires possess a variety of environmental health-related issues including increased risks to gig economy workers, threats to air quality through improper waste disposal, and an increased risk to public health and safety.

CIEH believe that if e-scooters and e-bikes are to be truly utilised as a potential solution to decarbonising journeys and reaching Net Zero, a number of safety issues must be addressed. Despite their classification as dangerous goods for transport, there is a conspicuous lack of third-party regulation to control the health and safety related risks to the public.

Joining Electrical Safety First's legislative campaign is a key strategic focus for our Health and Safety Advisory Panel. CIEH supports the measured approach of the draft Bill that corroborates our advocacy for the health, safety and wellbeing of the public and look forward to working with the Government and Electrical Safety First to include environmental health voices in battery safety legislation.

The Draft Bill from Electrical Safety First seeks to:

Clause 1: Classify lithium-ion batteries used to power e-bikes and e-scooters as high-risk, requiring third-party certification for safety compliance.

Clause 2: Mandate government regulation for the safe disposal of used lithium batteries to minimise the risk of landfill fires and reduce air pollution.

Clause 3: Introduce a standardised approach to conversion kits and chargers, ensuring safe use and preventing overcharging, overheating, and electrical failures.

Fran McCloskey, Chief Executive Officer of The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:

“CIEH are delighted to join key partners in supporting Electrical Safety First’s Battery Breakdown Campaign and look forward to working alongside Electrical Safety First to minimise the devastating consequences of lithium-ion battery fires.

We are ready to support the Government with the development of changes to safety regulations. Given Environmental Health Practitioner’s knowledge of public health and safety, housing and air quality, our members bring a holistic expertise to this conversation.

CIEH will continue to support and advocate for improvements to legislation that will ensure safer, cleaner, healthier environments for all.”

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First said:

"The increasing number of fires caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries shows how urgently we need news laws to tackle this issue.  We're thrilled to have the support from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and over 85 national organisations across the country. Their involvement is pivotal in tackling this deadly issue and bringing about improved safety measures.”