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The Challenge

More Batteries Are Creating a New Mine Site Safety Challenge

Lithium-ion batteries are now embedded across modern mine sites, and operations are becoming increasingly reliant on battery-powered equipment.

Individual batteries may appear to present a relatively small risk. But when multiple batteries are being stored and charged across workshops, warehouses, maintenance areas, crib rooms and operational facilities, the exposure changes.

Without a consistent approach, sites can face:

  • batteries being charged in unsuitable locations
  • inconsistent storage practices across departments
  • damaged batteries returning to general storage
  • limited separation between charging and other activities
  • poor visibility over battery condition
  • different procedures across teams and sites
  • increasing quantities of batteries without dedicated infrastructure

Lithium-ion battery risks can include uncontrolled energy release, extreme heat, electrical hazards, chemical exposure and thermal runaway.

WorkSafe WA’s guidance for the mining industry identifies battery use, configuration and storage design as areas requiring consideration. It also identifies inadequate battery cabinet design, inadequate risk assessment, maintenance, training and safe systems of work among factors that can contribute to battery incidents.

The issue isn’t that mine sites suddenly started using batteries. It’s that the volume and importance of battery-powered equipment have changed significantly.

As operations continue to adopt rechargeable tools, equipment and technology, battery storage needs to evolve with them.

More batteries require better systems — not more workarounds. So, as battery use increases, leading HSE teams are beginning to ask a different question: Have our battery storage practices kept pace?

Lithium-ion battery storage and charging cabinet with doors open on a mine site

105

battery-related incidents reported to WA Mines Safety in 2024–2025 with 35% involved fire, smoke or flame.

The Safety Standard

What Does Better Lithium-Ion Battery Management Look Like?

There is currently no single Australian requirement stating that every mine site must install a lithium-ion battery cabinet.

However, Australian WHS obligations require organisations to identify hazards and eliminate or minimise workplace risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Leading mining operations are therefore moving beyond the question: “Are battery cabinets mandatory?” And asking: “Are we appropriately managing the batteries already being used across our operation?”

A stronger battery storage standard considers the entire battery management process.

Improving lithium-ion battery storage can help mining operations achieve:

  • More Consistent Safety Standards
  • Improved Risk Management
  • Greater Operational Readiness
  • Better Asset Management
  • Stronger WHS Governance
  • Greater Insurance Readiness

For operations managing larger battery inventories, Accumax can help develop a more structured approach incorporating storage, charging, and visual identification management.

The objective is to create an environment that supports the site’s battery management procedures rather than simply adding another piece of equipment.

A cabinet is a product. A consistent battery management system is a safety standard.

Dedicated Storage

  • Provide designated locations for batteries rather than allowing storage practices to develop independently across workshops and operational areas.

Controlled Charging

  • Establish dedicated charging locations appropriate to the batteries, equipment and operating environment.

Damaged Battery Management

  • Create clear processes for identifying and isolating batteries showing signs of damage, swelling, overheating, leaking or other abnormalities.

Inspection & Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect batteries, charging equipment and storage infrastructure and follow manufacturer recommendations.

Clear Identification

  • Use signage and visual management to communicate storage areas, charging locations and battery management procedures.

Our Solutions

Lithium Battery Storage & Charging...

Lithium Battery Storage & Charging...

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Dangerous Goods Storage

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Our Resources

Dangerous Goods Storage

Dangerous Goods Storage

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is currently no single Australian requirement mandating lithium-ion battery cabinets on every mine site. However, organisations have WHS obligations to identify hazards and eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Appropriate battery storage infrastructure may form part of the controls identified through a site-specific risk assessment.

Mine sites are managing increasing numbers of rechargeable batteries across tools, lighting, communications, inspection and other equipment. Greater WHS awareness, insurer scrutiny and proactive risk management are contributing to demand for more structured battery storage and charging environments.

Storage arrangements should consider the battery type, quantity, manufacturer requirements, physical condition, environmental conditions, charging requirements and site-specific risk assessment. Dedicated storage can help create greater consistency and separation from other workplace activities.

A battery storage cabinet provides a designated location for batteries when they are not being used. A charging cabinet is designed to support batteries while they are being charged. The appropriate solution depends on the application, battery type and site requirements.

Dedicated charging helps sites move away from ad hoc charging on workbenches, shelves and other uncontrolled locations. It can also support clearer procedures, improved organisation and more consistent battery management.

Accumax provides lithium-ion battery storage and charging solutions for mining and industrial workplaces and can help organisations consider how cabinets, charging infrastructure, signage and visual management work together as part of a broader battery management system.