Safety Standards for Lithium Batteries for Household Energy Storage

4 FAQs about Safety Standards for Lithium Batteries for Household Energy Storage

What are the OSHA standards for lithium-ion batteries?

While there is not a specific OSHA standard for lithium-ion batteries, many of the OSHA general industry standards may apply, as well as the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). These include, but are not limited to the following standards:

Are lithium-ion batteries safe?

Homeowners increasingly adopt lithium-ion batteries for solar energy storage, backup power, and energy efficiency. These systems, when installed according to NFPA 855, minimize risks such as fire or thermal runaway. Proper ventilation, fire safety measures, and adherence to spacing requirements ensure safe operation.

Are lithium battery fires a safety concern?

While BESS technology is designed to bolster grid reliability, lithium battery fires at some installations have raised legitimate safety concerns in many communities. BESS incidents can present unique challenges for host communities and first responders:

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2025 — Today, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) released a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in every community across the United States, informed by a new assessment of previous fire incidents at BESS facilities.