The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised concerns regarding the marketing claims made by suppliers of lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. The ACCC found that these claims could potentially mislead consumers about the compliance of these products with Australian safety standards.

Specifically, the ACCC highlighted that there is currently no applicable safety standard for fire extinguishers intended for use on lithium-ion battery fires. This lack of standard raises significant safety concerns, as the extinguishers were marketed as compliant, which is misleading.

Moreover, the ACCC pointed out that the marketing did not clearly indicate that these extinguishers are only suitable for trained fire-fighting professionals. Fire safety authorities have advised that such extinguishers should not be used by the general public due to the dangerous nature of lithium-ion battery fires.

The ACCC has engaged with suppliers to ensure that all marketing materials accurately reflect the current safety advice and clearly state the absence of an Australian safety standard for these products. The ACCC expects businesses to prominently disclose that these extinguishers are not suitable for public use.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized the importance of consumer safety, advising that in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire, individuals should evacuate and call emergency services rather than attempt to extinguish the fire themselves. The ACCC continues to focus on enhancing consumer awareness regarding the safe use of lithium-ion batteries.