Risks and risk management. Lithium-ion battery safety and use in underground environments

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology is undergoing rapid development and is the focus of much attention in the mobility and stationary applications sectors. However, during their life cycle, these batteries can suffer internal or external failures. The most significant case is thermal runaway of the Li-ion battery. This article, by providing an initial, non-exhaustive list of the hazards posed by Li-Ion batteries, will help in the risk assessment that will be necessary prior to the use of battery-powered mobile equipment in an underground environment