Objective
To verify that the installation and use of lithium battery charging/storage cabinets are carried out with an adequate level of safety and in compliance with applicable regulations (fire, electrical, occupational safety, and product safety).
Phases
- Start and scope: what is stored/charged, where, quantities, user profiles, schedules, integration with the building’s fire protection system (PCI).
- Document review: equipment certificates, manuals, maintenance, risk assessment, and procedures.
- On-site inspection: physical verification of the location, electrical installation, signage, access, ventilation, and surroundings.
Functional tests (without destructive testing): alarms, sensors, emergency stop, communications, ventilation/extraction, operation of protection systems integrated or connected to the building.
- Report and action plan: findings, non-conformities, risk/priority, corrective measures, evidence, and deadlines.
- Follow-up: verification of corrections and closure.
The exact regulations depend on the type of building/activity: industrial (updated RSCIEI) or construction (CTE DB-SI), as well as REBT, RIPCI, and occupational health and safety (PRL).
What is checked?
1) Location and passive protection
- Location (dedicated area), access, aisles, organization, and cleanliness.
- Separation of combustible materials, control of nearby ignition sources.
- Environmental conditions: ventilation, temperature, humidity; manufacturer limitations.
2) Electrical installation (safety and compliance)
- Dedicated line, protections (circuit breaker/differential), wiring sizes, conduits, grounding.
- Overload protection and coordination with the actual charging power.
- Panels, electrical signage, and commissioning verification.
3) Active fire protection (of the equipment and the building)
- Detection/alarms (local and/or connected to a central system), notifications, and escalation.
- First response means (appropriate fire extinguishers, accessibility, signage) and risk compatibility..
- If there are fixed/automatic systems: design, installation, and maintenance in accordance with RIPCI..
4) Daily operations and risk management
- Battery classification: new / in use / damaged / "in quarantine".
- Admission criteria: impacts, swelling, leaks, abnormal temperature, history.
- Charging rules: permitted chargers, SOC limits if applicable, supervision, prohibitions.
- Management of damaged batteries and waste (segregation, temporary storage, authorized handler when applicable).
5) Occupational health and safety (OHS), training, and emergency procedures
- Risk assessment and preventive measures (training, instructions, PPE if applicable).
- Emergency procedure: what to do in case of smoke/alarm/temperature, evacuation, calling emergency services, electrical isolation.
- Compliance as a “work equipment” and checks/maintenance.
6) Maintenance, inspections, and records
- Maintenance plan (cabinet + fire protection system + electrical): schedules, reports, incidents, corrective actions.
- Record of alarms, events, interventions, and inspections.











