Monash Health bans staff from charging EVs
Fire risk from EV batteries deemed too great for staff to recharge private cars at work sites, but company cars okayMonash Health staff have been banned from charging their personal EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and e-bikes and e-scooters at work in the name of fire safety.
As reported by The Driven last week, the ban doesn’t extend to the health company’s leased fleet vehicles, which can continue to use the on-site charging facilities, despite an official safety notice distributed to staff citing an August WorkSafe Victoria safety alert detailing the dangers of lithium-ion batteries.
“Monash Health employees must immediately stop charging their personal light electric vehicles and electric vehicles within the confines of Monash Health sites, including all car parking areas,” the notice reads.
Meanwhile, the WorkSafe Victoria alert encouraged employers to avoid charging plug-in vehicles of any description in enclosed or restricted spaces unless a suitable the fire detection and suppression system is installed.
“When overheated, lithium-ion batteries of all sizes can catch fire,” WorkSafe Victoria said in its bulletin. “The fire is often hard to put out and the smoke from the fire can be toxic.
“Common reasons lithium-ion batteries may overheat and catch fire include damage and using incorrect charging equipment.
“Larger battery packs can pose a significant risk if the lithium-ion battery overheats and catches fire.
“Some sprinkler systems may not be capable of suppressing or controlling a large lithium-ion battery fire.”
Monash Health employees have reportedly been encouraged to instead use public recharging facilities.
While this is the first high-profile employer to ban the charging of EVs at its premises, the National Golf Club has also attracted attention by banning all on-site EV, PHEV and electric golf buggy charging after a fire at the Eastern Golf Club in the Yarra Valley was attributed to lithium-ion batteries.
Related: Firefighters call for government action on EV fire hazards
Related: Lithium-ion battery safety in question
Related: Why do electric cars catch fire?
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