Vapes and other products with lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode if they are damaged, stored incorrectly or charged unsafely.

As a retailer, you must manage these risks to protect staff, customers and your premises.

You should:

• carry out a health and safety risk assessment
• carry out a fire safety risk assessment
• store vapes safely to prevent damage and overheating
• avoid charging devices on your premises where possible
• isolate damaged or faulty devices
• make sure staff know what to do in an emergency
• keep electrical systems and equipment in safe working order

Guidance is available from:

• HSE
• Gov.uk

Traditional fire extinguishers may not be effective against lithium-ion battery fires. Therefore, control measures should prioritise prevention through safe storage, correct charging practices, supervision, prompt isolation of damaged or faulty devices and maintaining clear, unobstructed escape routes.

You should:

• keep devices in their original packaging where possible
• store stock away from heat sources, direct sunlight and electrical equipment
• keep devices dry
• separate display stock from bulk storage
• keep stockrooms tidy
• keep aisles, exits and escape routes clear

Avoid charging devices on your premises if possible.

If charging is necessary:

• only charge devices when trained staff are present
• use a designated charging area with a heat-resistant surface
• use chargers approved by the manufacturer
• do not use damaged charging leads
• do not overload sockets or extension leads
• keep combustible materials at least 1 metre from charging points
• do not charge devices near escape routes or exits

If a device is damaged, overheating, smoking or shows signs of being unsafe:

• remove it from other stock immediately
• store it away from ignition sources, sales areas and escape routes
• use a metal container filled with a non-flammable material such as dry sand or vermiculite where possible
• keep the container in a secure outdoor location
• dispose of the device through a licensed Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection service

Battery failures can release gases before or during a fire.

Make sure there is suitable natural or mechanical ventilation in any area where vapes are stored or charged.

You must keep electrical installations and portable appliances safe.

• have installations inspected and tested regularly by a competent electrician
• commercial premises are typically inspected every 3 to 5 years
• stop using any part of an installation that appears unsafe until it has been repaired

Portable appliances should be regularly checked and maintained.

HSE provide guidance on:

• Portable appliance testing
• Maintaining portable electrical equipment

Make sure staff know what to do if a device overheats, smokes or catches fire.

They should:

• raise the alarm and follow your fire evacuation procedure
• move people away from danger
• isolate the device from other combustible materials if it is safe to do so
• move the device outdoors if this forms part of your procedure and it is safe to do so
• be aware that batteries can reignite
• only use equipment designed for lithium-ion battery fires and only if trained to do so

For fire safety advice, contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

For health and safety advice about your retail premises, contact our Food and Safety Team at fs@falkirk.gov.uk.