Seoul gov't moves to ensure safety of lithium batteries after recent fires

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday introduced measures to prevent and promptly respond to fires caused by lithium batteries, prompted by growing public concern following several fires attributed to the power storage devices.

Firefighters spray water on an electric bus during a fire drill in an undated photo provided by the Seoul city government on Monday. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday introduced measures to prevent and promptly respond to fires caused by lithium batteries, prompted by growing public concern following several fires attributed to the power storage devices.

An explosion and fire at the lithium battery manufacturer Aricell’s plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, on June 24 killed 23 workers, including 17 Chinese nationals. On July 1, a fire at Daechi Station in southern Seoul was caused by lithium batteries attached to a rail motor car used for maintenance. No casualties were reported.

According to the city government, class D fire extinguishers, which can extinguish fires caused by lithium batteries, will be placed on public transportation, such as intracity buses and subways.

In Seoul, 6,793 taxis, 1,402 intracity buses and 302 village buses are equipped with lithium batteries, as are 484 electric-powered units on subways.

Within this month, all 34 rail motor cars used for subway maintenance will be temporarily powered by diesel engines until their lithium batteries are proven safe. The decision followed a recent fire at Daechi Station on subway line No. 3, which marked the first instance of a fire caused by a lithium battery-powered rail motor car in the capital, according to the city government.

By March next year, fire-extinguishing systems that automatically detect the temperature of lithium batteries will be installed in 484 subway cars. Lithium has self-igniting and water-reactive properties, making it prone to explosions when exposed to high temperatures, pressure or moisture.

The city government will create a manual for responding to fires caused by lithium batteries by next year. It also plans to consistently request the central government to improve related measures.

Electric taxi drivers will receive training on responding to such fires, while bus companies will employ personnel responsible for electric safety. To enhance their safety, the city government will also inspect storage and charging stations for electric kick scooters.

Large fire extinguishers designed to handle fires caused by electric cars will be installed at 54 public parking lots with charging stations in Seoul.

Additionally, the city government announced subsidies for individuals who scrap their diesel cars, offering them unlimited transit passes to encourage pollution reduction. Those who scrapped their diesel cars last year and did not purchase new vehicles will be eligible for the Climate Card from July through November. A total of 180 Seoul residents will receive 65,000 won ($47) passes that also cover the city’s public bicycle, Ttareungi.

The city government and the Environment Ministry may expand the scheme nationwide following a five-month trial period.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]