Battery Energy Storage Systems
Powering the Future: Safeguarding Today with Energy Storage Systems
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an energy storage system (ESS), is a device or group of devices assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a later time. Battery ESS are the most common type of new installation.
Energy Storage Systems Webinar
Navigating Fire Safety in a Battery-Powered World
| Organization | Resource | Date Shared |
| California Energy Commission | California Energy Commission Website | 2/7/2025 |
| California Environmental Protection Agency | Battery Reporting Guidance for Unified Program Agencies | 2/7/2025 |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission | Consumer Product Safety Commission Website | 2/7/2025 |
| Electrical Safety Foundation | Electrical Safety Foundation Website | 2/7/2025 |
| Electrical Safety Foundation | How to Spot Battery Problems: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety | 2/7/2025 |
| Electrical Safety Foundation | How to Recycle Batteries: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety | 2/7/2025 |
| Fire Safety Research Institute | Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety | 2/7/2025 |
| Fire Safety Research Institute | The Impact of Batteries on Fire Dynamics | 2/7/2025 |
| International Code Council | Batteries and Energy Storage Ad Hoc Committee (AH-BES) |
2/7/2025 |
| Interstate Renewable Energy Council | Charging Smart | 2/7/2025 |
| National Fire Protection Association | National Fire Protection Association Webinars | 2/7/2025 |
| National Fire Protection Association | Lithium-Ion Battery Safety | 2/7/2025 |
| Sustainable Energy Action Committee | Informational Bulletin on the UL 9540 Safety Standard and the UL 9540A Test Method | 2/7/2025 |
| US Fire Administration | Battery Fire Safety | 2/7/2025 |
| Organization | Resource | Date Shared |
| Fire Safety Research Institute | Online Training Available: The Science of Fire and Explosion Hazards from Lithium-Ion Batteries | 2/7/2025 |
| Fire Safety Research Institute | New online training - Fire Service Considerations with Lithium-Ion Battery ESS | 2/7/2025 |
| Fire Safety Research Institute | Firefighter Safety and Photovoltaic Systems | 2/7/2025 |
| Emergency Response Guides for Electric & Hybrid Vehicles | Auto Rescue App | 2/7/2025 |
Residential
- Limited to ≤ 20kWh unit size.
- Specific code language for detached one- and two-family dwellings.
Commercial
- Retail and manufacturing facilities, etc.
- Limited to 600 kWh unit size.
Utility
- Front-of-meter installations under exclusive control of the operating utility.
- Be familiar with potential hazards relevant to the type of energy storage systems being inspected.
- Procure and be prepared to use the appropriate personal protection equipment.
- Review and print out/download relevant technical documents.
- Understand what aspects of the energy storage systems need to be reviewed.
- Have a Safety meeting prior to entering the site.
- General inspection of the overall site.
- Inspection of the energy storage systems equipment (Exterior and Interior).
- Commission plan.
- Emergency operation plan.
- Fire and explosion control summary.
- Signage.
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