Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Health Care: What Facilities Must Do to Prepare and Respond (09 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Continuing for Spring 2026: Electronic PDHs will be available to Chapter members at no cost for virtual presentations. If you are not a current member you may still enjoy the presentation at no charge, or pay $10 at registration to be granted a PDH.

This is an online event. You must join from a computer, no dial-in only information is available. The meeting details will be made available when you register.

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in health care environments, but they present a growing and often underrecognized fire risk. This presentation explores recent lithium-ion battery fire incidents, the science behind thermal runaway, and conditions that increase the likelihood of failure. It highlights the unique challenges these hazards pose in patient care settings and emphasizes the importance of staff awareness and early hazard recognition. Attendees will learn practical strategies for prevention, safe handling, storage, and disposal, as well as how to effectively prepare for and respond to battery-related emergencies. The session provides actionable steps to reduce risk and enhance safety as battery use continues to expand.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES:

Show recent lithium-ion battery events
Staff education outline:
- what a lithium-ion battery is
- science behind a lithium-ion battery fire
- lithium-ion battery fire prevention
Identify ways facilities can be prepared and respond to a lithium-ion battery event
Describe ways hospital designs can improve battery safety

Presenter: Lauren Thomas – Fire Protection Program Manager at Advocate Health

Lauren Thomas is a Registered Fire Protection Engineer with more than 12 years of professional experience. She specializes in applying government, national fire protection, and life safety standards to both existing and newly constructed health care facilities. Her work has taken her across the United States and throughout the Middle East, where she has surveyed hospitals to assess and improve compliance. Lauren currently serves as the Fire Protection Program Manager for Advocate Health, overseeing a program that spans more than 70 acute care facilities.

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Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Health Care: What Facilities Must Do to Prepare and Respond (09 Jun 2026)