Lithium-Ion Batteries and the Fire Response Plan

By Richard Parker, MBA, CHFM, FACHE, FASHE, Associate Director

Richard Parker is Associate Director of Life Safety and Physical Environment at ACHC. His range of experience makes him ideally suited to provide standards interpretation, post-survey support, and client education. Prior to joining ACHC, Richard’s work in hospitals included department responsibilities in engineering, construction, security, environmental services, food and nutrition services, patient transport, laundry and linen services, and communications. 

Posted: September 13, 2026

Lithium-ion batteries are now a routine part of hospital operations. They are embedded in clinical equipment, mobile devices, facility tools, and support services. While these technologies improve mobility and efficiency, they introduce fire and smoke hazards that are not always fully considered in daily operations.

Current codes, including NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2012 edition) and NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (2012 edition), do not provide detailed prescriptive requirements for managing lithium-ion battery risks in typical hospital environments. However, expectations for fire response planning remain clearly defined in the CMS State Operations Manual (Appendix A) and in ACHC Standards 03.04.01 (for critical access hospitals) and 11.04.01 (for acute care hospitals), Written fire response plans.

The concern

Lithium-ion batteries are present throughout the hospital, often in places not traditionally associated with fire risk. Sources include:

  • Maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Environmental services equipment.
  • Medical equipment and portable medical devices.
  • Cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and other personal electronics.
  • Patient and visitor devices, such as laptops and other personal electronics.

A failure event may not present as a traditional fire. It may begin with overheating, off-gassing, or visible smoke. These events can produce toxic byproducts and may escalate quickly if not addressed appropriately.

Fire response plan expectations

Hospitals are required to maintain written fire response plans that address:

  • Prompt reporting of fires.
  • Extinguishing fires.
  • Protection of patients, personnel, and visitors.
  • Evacuation procedures.
  • Coordination with firefighting authorities.

Plans must define staff roles at the point of origin and in surrounding areas. This includes when and how to activate the fire alarm system, how to contain smoke and fire, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and decision-making regarding relocation or evacuation.

Staff training is a critical component. All personnel, including contract staff and volunteers, must understand their role within the fire response plan and how to apply it in real conditions.

Alarm activation and common response gap

Timely activation of the fire alarm system is a critical element of the fire response plan and is often where breakdowns occur in lithium-ion battery events.

Activation does more than signal a potential fire. In many hospitals, it initiates a coordinated building response:

  • Air handling systems may automatically adjust or shut down to limit smoke movement.
  • Notification is distributed throughout the facility, identifying the location of the event.
  • Staff in surrounding areas are prompted to begin containment actions, such as closing doors.
  • The fire department is notified, initiating an external response if conditions escalate.

These system-level responses are especially important in lithium-ion battery incidents, where smoke and heat conditions may change rapidly.

A common challenge is that these events are often perceived as small, localized issues. If a device begins to smoke, staff may instinctively reach for a fire extinguisher. While using an extinguisher may be appropriate in some situations, that response should not bypass other essential steps in the fire response plan, particularly alarm activation and broader communication.

When the alarm is not activated:

  • Others in the area may not be aware of the hazard.
  • Smoke containment measures may not be implemented.
  • Exposure risks to patients and staff may increase.
  • External response may be delayed if the situation worsens.

Practical application

Hospitals should incorporate lithium-ion battery scenarios into their existing fire response framework rather than treating them as a separate issue.

Effective strategies include:

  • Including lithium-ion battery events in fire drills and staff education.
  • Reinforcing the full response sequence, including alarm activation, even for small or developing events.
  • Ensuring staff understand when and how to use fire extinguishers within the broader response plan.
  • Evaluating areas where battery use or charging is concentrated for additional awareness.

Organizations may also consider whether specialized areas require more detailed response guidance based on risk.

Key takeaway

Lithium-ion batteries are now part of the normal hospital environment. While codes have not fully evolved to address these risks, the expectations for fire response remain unchanged.

Hospitals that recognize this hazard and emphasize a complete, coordinated response, including early alarm activation, will be better positioned to protect patients, staff, and visitors when these events occur.

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