Quick answer
Include e-bike batteries in the premises fire-risk arrangements before permitting storage or charging. Set clear rules on location, compatible equipment, supervision, damage and emergency response, including privately owned rider batteries. Use competent advice for the building and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; keep escape routes protected.
A new charging arrangement changes the premises risk
A battery brought into a kitchen, office or store can introduce a fire risk to people who do not use the bike. Charging and storage need an agreed arrangement rather than an improvised socket beside stock or an exit.
Government premises guidance recommends assessing facilities, policies and users. Apply the correct national fire framework: use Scottish non-domestic guidance or NIFRS business guidance where applicable. The Fire Safety Order is not a single UK-wide fire regime.
1. Agree what the premises will permit
| Decision | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Permission | Which bikes/batteries may enter, be stored or be charged, and who authorises changes. |
| Location | A suitable assessed place that protects escape and avoids other fire risks. |
| Equipment | Compatible, suitable batteries and chargers, with manufacturer information. |
| Operation | Who checks the arrangement, monitors use and deals with charging completion. |
| Warning signs | How damage or suspected failure is reported and escalated. |
| Communication | How staff, visiting riders and other occupiers understand the rules. |
Use suitable competent fire-risk and electrical advice for the actual building and scale of use. A metal box, spare cupboard or product described as a charging locker is not by itself evidence that the arrangement is suitable.
2. Follow compatible-equipment and charging guidance
London Fire Brigade’s charging advice includes using the supplied or manufacturer-recommended charger, allowing cooling after use, a suitable hard flat surface and keeping charging away from escape routes. It advises against leaving batteries charging unattended.
NIFRS’s battery charging and storage advice also stresses approved chargers, instructions, damage checks and clear escape routes. Its home-safety tips support prevention; commercial fire duties still require the premises-specific business assessment.
Review the manufacturer’s temperature, use and charging instructions. Explain how charging finishes and how unsuitable equipment or unauthorised changes are prevented.
3. Recognise failure signs and escalate promptly
LFB identifies warning signs including unusual heat, swelling, leaking, physical damage, chemical smells and hissing or cracking sounds. Stop using suspect equipment and obtain appropriate manufacturer or specialist advice through the agreed arrangement.
Do not open or repair a pack, improvise disposal or ask an untrained worker to move a failing battery. If a battery smokes or catches fire, LFB advises leaving immediately, raising the alarm and calling 999; do not attempt to fight the fire yourself.
Worked example: a rider asks to use a store-room socket
Hypothetical example. A visiting delivery rider asks to charge a battery in a store containing packaging. The shift supervisor follows the site’s permission and escalation arrangements instead of treating an available socket as approval.
The premises manager reviews whether safe charging can be provided, including location, equipment, escape, monitoring and other occupiers. The rule and any agreed facility are explained consistently to future visitors and staff.
- Private ownership assumed to remove premises risk. Include batteries brought by others.
- Compatibility judged by whether the plug fits. Use manufacturer information.
- Escape-route storage accepted temporarily. Protect the route.
- A damaged pack treated as ordinary waste. Arrange specialist advice and suitable disposal.
Next steps
- Review the premises and proposed battery use with suitable competent advice.
- Set permission, location, equipment and monitoring rules.
- Explain warning signs and emergency escalation.
- Monitor the arrangement and review changes and current fire guidance.
Read government premises battery guidance — Use the official planning guidance and current local fire advice before permitting charging.