The New Reality of a Modern Risk for Condominiums; Lithium Ion Batteries

Condominium Boards have questions about Lithium Ion Battery safety, the following is designed to be a rapid, informative read for Managers and Condominium Boards.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) power the world around us — phones, laptops, mobility scooters, tools, even building systems. They’re efficient, reliable, and environmentally progressive. When handled correctly, they are very safe. But when things go wrong, they go wrong fast — fires involving damaged or uncertified batteries can ignite suddenly, burn hot, and produce deadly, toxic smoke – with fires that’s difficult to extinguish.

Across Ontario and other major urban centres, fire services are seeing a steady rise in lithium-battery incidents, especially from micro mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. In Toronto, the Fire Service recorded 76 battery-related fires in 2024 — a 38% increase over the previous year — and by July 2025, the City had already responded to 43 battery fires.  Every Fire Services in the Province has an active educational program in place on this topic through this fall’s “Charge Into Fire Safety” campaign, reminding residents to charge safely, avoid uncertified products, and dispose of batteries properly.

Bottom line: Lithium-ion batteries are safe — when used, stored, and charged properly. The risk emerges from damaged packs, uncertified products, improper charging, or casual storage practices. Every one of those can be managed through policy, training, and education. 

Condominium Corporations are now looking for guidance to tackle this risk.  The following is provided to support Condominium teams in Ontario.

Fast Facts

LIBs are really safe when used correctly: Most fires are caused by damaged, altered, or non-certified devices.

E-bikes and e-scooters are the leading sources of high-energy battery fires.

Certification matters: Look for devices and batteries certified by UL.

Unlisted “universal” chargers are a frequent ignition source. Always use the charger that came with the device.

Charging Location: Never charge on a soft, combustible surfaces like beds or sofas.

Watch for warning signs: Swelling, hissing, popping, smoke, or a solvent-like smell — stop using, and evacuate the area and call 911.

Personal Rules: Do not charge your device overnight - near the exit of your suite, or the hallway from your bedroom.

Damaged batteries require isolation, not disposal in regular bins – and never in the garbage chute. Place them in a cool, non-combustible area and follow safe disposal procedures. Improperly disposed damaged devices and batteries heighten the risks.

Education changes outcomes: Awareness programs and clear communication with both staff and residents can dramatically reduce incident frequency and severity.

 

A Pro-Active Approach: Board-Level Considerations

1.    Annual Fire Safety Plan Update: New risks and responsibilities are meant to be captured in your Fire Safety Plan, one of the reasons this plan requires an annual review and update.  Lithium-Ion Battery Safety & Fire Prevention should be captured in your scheduled update.

2.    Include lithium-battery hazards / emergency procedures:  Emergency Response steps must be clear to managers, security and the superintendents.  This is part of the Condominium Corporation’s obligations under the Occupational Health & safety Act.

3.    Educate your community. Publish bulletins and supportive reminders to residents summarizing safe charging, storage, and disposal practices, use different channels for internal building marketing. Use materials pre-approved by the AHJ, NFPA or local Fire Services highlighting;

• Charge smart: only with the original charger, on a hard surface, and never overnight.

• Store safely: keep devices away from exits, heaters, or bedding.

• Never Alter: Or modify.

• Dispose responsibly: never in garbage, gabage chute or recycling bins; use local drop-off sites or Call2Recycle programs.

• Vapes and e smoking materials:  Keep them out of the sun and store safety.

4.    Workplace Safety Inspections: Implement a monthly inspection program for all LIB devices owned and or operated by the Corporation or building staff.  This ensures the defective, damaged or failing batteries are rapidly identified through routine inspections, and the Corporation has evidence of these inspections maintain at the building.

5.    Disposal and Recycling: Implement clear procedures for residents regarding battery disposal;

- Toronto: lithium-ion batteries are household hazardous waste. Use City Drop-Off Depots or Community Environment Days; never place in garbage or Blue/Green bins.

- Ottawa and Kingston: municipal programs direct residents to official depots or

- Call2Recycle: drop-off points.

- Canada-wide: Call2Recycle offers a locator for the nearest certified collection site, including e-mobility batteries.

6.    Create a policy / rule for your condominium community

See Below Sample Rule Language

 Sample Rule

Lithium Ion Battery Safety

This Rule is established by the Corporation to promote fire and life safety within the property, to comply with applicable fire prevention standards, and to protect residents, staff, and property from the risks associated with non-certified lithium-ion batteries and devices.

“Certified Device” means an e-bike, e-scooter, mobility scooter, or other battery-powered device that has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 (for systems) and UL 2271 (for batteries), or a recognized equivalent Canadian standard (CSA or ETL).

“OEM Charger” means the original charger supplied by the manufacturer for that specific device or one bearing the same certification and listing marks.

“Property” includes all units, exclusive-use common elements, and common areas.

Sample Rules (For consideration, based on the unique community risks)

1.      Only Certified Devices and OEM Chargers may be stored, used, or charged anywhere on the Property.

2.      The storage or charging of non-certified, modified, damaged, or aftermarket batteries or devices is strictly prohibited on the Property.

3.      Residents must not charge or operate Certified Devices in any hallway, lobby, stairwell, amenity room, or other interior common element.

4.      Management may require evidence of certification (label, marking, or documentation) upon request.

5.      Any device or battery found to be in violation of this Rule may be disconnected, isolated, or removed by Management in accordance with the Corporation’s enforcement procedures under the Condominium Act, 1998.

6.      Residents must dispose of lithium-ion batteries responsibly, using approved municipal or Call2Recycle drop-off programs. Disposal in household garbage, garbage chute, receptacles and / or recycling bins is strictly prohibited.

Communication & Education Is Key

The Corporation will share notice of the rule for approval as required and provide educational materials and signage summarizing safe storage, charging, and disposal practices in key building areas to reinforce awareness. The Fire Safety Plan will be updated to include new lithium-ion battery safety information and prevention measures as part of the annual review process, and will be re-shared with residents at time of move in, and again each year to maintain engagement and confidence.

A Closing Note on Shared Responsibility and Confidence

Lithium-ion batteries are now part of our daily lives — powering the tools, transportation, and technologies that define modern living. They are safe and dependable when used correctly.

By combining education, clear policy, consistent inspection, and respectful communication, condominium communities can ensure that convenience and innovation never compromise safety. Preparedness is not about fear — it’s about confidence, leadership, and community trust.

At National Life Safety Group (NLSG), we understand that every building’s program is unique — shaped by its design, occupancy, systems, and people. Our role is to support condominium Boards and licensed Managers in developing and maintaining custom, code-aligned fire and life safety programs that reflect each community’s needs.

This resource is provided for educational and awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional fire protection engineering or site-specific review. We encourage Boards and Managers to consult their local fire services and us here at National Life Safety Group as were here to support. 

NLSG remains committed to supporting Ontario’s condominium communities with practical expertise, trusted guidance, and professional leadership — helping every community build a stronger culture of preparedness, safety, and confidence.

References

·         Toronto Fire Services “This Is Your Warning” campaigns & 2024 stats.

reduction (2023→2024) and micromobility share.

·         Ontario Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Week statement.

·         NFPA Fire Prevention Week 2025 theme (LIB focus).

·         Ottawa & Kingston FPW advisories.

·         UL standards (2849 systems / 2271 batteries) & Canadian binational scope.

·         CPSC warnings on “universal”/incompatible chargers.

·         Toronto disposal requirements; Community Environment Days.

·         Call2Recycle (Canada-wide + e-mobility program).