The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. As of 2018, the NFPA claims to have 50,000 members and 9,000 volunteers working with the organization through its 250 technical committees.
Abstract Introduction Lithium-ion cells power most personal electronics and mobility devices, delivering high energy density with risk of thermal runaway in damaged cells or misuse. Consequent flames/explosions make these batteries an emerging hazard source from thermal injuries. Despite growing reports, the epidemiology remains poorly defined since injury surveillance rarely codes lithium-ion involvement explicitly and most reports are product- or jurisdiction-specific. To address this gap, we used two complementary national datasets to quantify the national burden and characterize hospitalized cases. Methods We performed a two-database analysis using the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), 2020-2024, and the American Burn Association’s Burn Care Quality Platform (ABA-BCQP), 2013-2022. From NEISS, burn cases were identified through the predefined injury mechanism field with the inclusion of a narrative field search. The mechanism was queried including all lithium battery operated devices with exclusions for non-lithium contexts. National weighting was specified with Stratum and Primary Sampling Unit variables. Subgroup for type of electronic was defined. The free text field for ABA-BCQP was queried for word combinations of lithium-ion batteries and devices. Inpatient demographics, injury severity, hospital course, and outcomes were described. Results Lithium-ion battery burns increased by 64.2% from 2222 in 2020 (6.7/1000,000) to 3648 in 2024 (10.7/1000,000). Fire service involvement was documented in 33.5% of events. The most frequent device categories included phone batteries (32.9%) and electronic cigarette/vape devices (12.8%). Mean age was 38.5 years and 86.4% were male. Median total body surface area (TBSA) injured was 4.0%, with a maximum injury size of 46% TBSA. 40.4% received surgical treatment; of those undergoing surgery, there was a median of 3 operations per patient. Overall mortality was 0.8%. Payer mix included 42.0% private insurance, 20.5% Medicaid, 12.3% uninsured, and 10.0% Medicare. Racial distribution was 75.2% White, 10.0% Black, 2.2% Asian; 10.1% were Hispanic. Conclusions Lithium-ion battery burns are increasing in the U.S., with mobile phones and electronic cigarettes/vaping as prominent drivers. While most inpatient injuries are relatively small, 40% require surgery and nearly 1% die—emphasizing the severity and the need for prevention. Applicability of Research to Practice Americans should only use certified devices per nationally recognized testing laboratories. Burn prevention programs should include targeted messaging on lithium-ion battery risks and early signs of thermal runaway (e.g., swelling, overheating, smoke/odor), safe charging/storage, and device/charger quality—paired with surveillance efforts that explicitly code battery involvement. Funding for the study N/A.
On a project in California, the battery energy storage (BESS) team encountered a situation involving a buzzing noise coming from a padmount transformer. During the inspection, the electrical superintendent opened the doors to the energized padmount transformer and discovered a steel ruler positioned above the bushings on the low voltage (e.g. 480 Vac three phase) side of the transformer. After he opened the transformer doors, he realized his mistake. The electrical construction superintendent failed to follow an approved safety protocol, prior to opening the door. The steps would have included:•Deenergize and LOTO the substation 34,500 Vac controls and breaker•Open and LOTO the load break oil rotary (LBOR) padmount transformer switch•Open and LOTO the 2000-amp 480 Vac three phase disconnectThese steps are crucial to ensure the padmount transformer is completely de-energized. In a moment of reflection, I posed a critical question to the electrical superintendent: What would he have wanted me to convey to his family, particularly his wife and daughter. What if the steel ruler had fallen across the energized bushing while he was inside the enclosure doors? The incident energy level was in excess of 40 cal/cm2, underscoring the potential risks involved in such scenarios. Safety protocols and adherence to established electrical construction procedures are paramount in ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved in electrical operations. This construction incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and meticulous attention to detail in high-risk environments.
Fluorine-free foams (FFFs) have been introduced as alternatives to aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), which are based on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, adoption of FFFs remains limited due to the lack of universal drop-in replacements and limited data on their health and environmental impacts. This study examined incentives and barriers to implementing FFFs in Fire Training Facilities (FTFs) to support the transition away from PFAS-based products. A survey was conducted from September 2022 to December 2023 across the U.S. and Canadian FTFs, including state-funded facilities, metropolitan fire departments, airports, military, and industrial brigades. Developed in partnership with fire service organizations, the survey assessed current foam use, motivations for transition, and associated challenges. Of all FTF training with Class B foams, 38% reported using FFF products. Primary incentives included environmental and health concerns, safety, and regulatory pressures. Key challenges were transition costs, training requirements, and uncertainties around disposal of foams. These findings highlight that while momentum toward FFF adoption is evident, ensuring products are genuinely PFAS-free and providing comprehensive training will be critical for effective, large-scale implementation. Fire training facilities can play a pivotal role in guiding this transition.
