Lithium Ion Battery Overheated Following Exposure to Water

Cause & Consequence

• Fire or explosion

Other Cause & Consequence

N/A

Description of Process

As a result of a general platform alarm (GPA) and deluge, a piece of inspection equipment was exposed to significant amounts of water, causing the internals to become saturated and short circuit.

Description of Incident

Following the event, the lithium ion battery was removed and found to be overheating. Shortly thereafter the battery started to smoke then catch fire. Fortunately, the fire was controlled and extinguished immediately however the outcome could have been much worse.

Good Practice Guidance

The importance of protecting equipment from water ingress is highlighted, along with the importance of ensuring that care is taken whenever equipment is being dried out following exposure to water.