Lithium-ion batteries causing fires, dangers on California freeways, sparking calls for safety improvements
LA TimesFor more than two days, a vital shipping passageway in the Port of L.A. was shut down, and the cause was surprising to some. A big rig overturned, sparking a fierce lithium-ion battery blaze that spewed toxic gases, snarled port traffic and resulted in what one official said was massive economic losses from delayed shipments. Safety basics These batteries are generally safe with proper care and storage, said Robert Rezende, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department battalion chief and the region’s first lithium-ion battery safety coordinator. Problems on roadways In May, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spent 14 days battling a hazardous fire that ignited at a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Otay Mesa. “I think that a local rule would be very important, but I would really prefer a statewide rule, and I think ultimately federal legislation on how to transport and utilize these batteries across the nation would be very important.” Improving safety Rezende said there were several things that could be done to increase transportation safety.
History of this topic
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