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Category Property Services
Type Guideline
Approved by Chief Operating Officer
Date Guideline Took Effect 6 November 2025
Last approved revision 
Sponsor Director, Property and Campus Development
Responsible officer Associate Director, Property Operations
Review date 30 November 2026

Please note that compliance with University Guidelines is expected in normal circumstances, and any deviation from Guidelines – which should only be in exceptional circumstances – needs to be justifiable.

Purpose

To establish clear and consistent guidance for the safe operation, installation, selection and management of lithium-ion battery powered systems to an acceptable risk and; to enable operational use so that students, staff, the public and property are not harmed by the use of lithium battery systems.

Organisational scope

These guidelines apply to all University of Otago-owned or occupied buildings in New Zealand. These guidelines are to be applied when selecting, procuring, charging, transporting, or storing systems that use lithium-ion (polymer) based batteries.

These guidelines apply to lithium battery systems introduced into University buildings after the date these guidelines take effect.

The use, driving, piloting or operation of vehicles, including lithium battery vehicles, is managed by the Vehicle and Safe Driving Policy.

Portable Electronic devices are considered low risk from a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway impact perspective due to their relatively small potential for energy release and proliferate use in everyday life making onerous management of their use practicably impossible, their procurement and use are therefore exempt from these guidelines. See clause 2.

Definitions

Amp hour
Amp hour (Ah). A unit of measurement that indicates the amount of charge a battery can store.
Conventional vehicle
A vehicle that utilises internal combustion to provide momentum to the vehicle.
Designated charging point
A location specifically configured for the safe charging of a lithium battery vehicle that complies with Section 3 of these guidelines.
Dormant state
A lithium-ion battery that is not being charge or discharged.
BEV
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) that uses a high voltage (above 60V) battery that stores energy to provide momentum to the vehicle.
Drone
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that may use a lithium battery for motive force or control.
Energy storage system
Relocatable or fixed energy storage devices using lithium battery with capacity >100Wh such as: uninterruptible power supplies, mains power energy storage, solar battery storage etc.
PHEV
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). A vehicle that uses a high voltage (above 60V) battery that stores energy that is charged externally or an internal combustion engine to provide momentum to the vehicle.
HEV
Hybrid Electric Vehicle. A passenger vehicle utilizing a lithium-ion battery in conjunction with an internal combustion engine to provide momentum to the vehicle that does not include any external battery charging capability.
Lithium battery
For the purposes of this guideline means: a lithium-ion (polymer) battery that can enter a thermal runaway state and combust, explode or discharge gases.
Lithium battery vehicle
For the purposes of this guideline means: BEVs, PHEVs, Micro-mobility vehicles, drones and the like.
Micro-mobility vehicle
Vehicular transport intended for a single operator or passenger that is able to be operated on New Zealand roads without a driver’s licence such as low-powered vehicles: e-scooters, e-bikes, or similar.
Low-powered vehicle
Vehicles that comply with gazette notice 2023
Passenger vehicle
Vehicles that require any class of New Zealand drivers licence such as: passenger cars, motorcycles, tractors, vans, tractors, trucks busses and the like. NZTA classes
Portable electronic device
Devices using a lithium battery of less than 100Wh (Watt hour) capacity such as mobile phones, laptops, battery banks, cameras, drones, scanners, tablets, printers, power tools, torches, work lights, test equipment, uninterruptable power supplies and the like.
Research equipment
Research equipment featuring lithium battery systems that do not meet the portable electronic device or stationary energy storage definitions such as: Robotics, microscopes, electromagnetic spectrum devices (CT, X-ray, MRI).
Thermal runaway
A phenomenon in which a lithium-ion battery cell or cells enter an uncontrollable self-heating state.
Watt hour (Wh)
The measure of a battery’s capacity (Watt hours = voltage x amp hours).

Content

  1. Portable electronic devices utilising lithium batteries

    1. Portable electronic devices are considered low risk from a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway impact perspective due to their relatively small potential for energy release and proliferate use in everyday life making onerous management of their use practicably impossible, their procurement and use are therefore exempt from these guidelines.
    2. Users of portable electronic devices are recommended to become familiar with the best practice safe use of such devices as is available from the device manufacturers, Fire and Emergency NZ or Worksafe websites.
    3. The use of charging equipment specifically designed for or supplied with the device, such as the original equipment manufacturer charger or a charger certified as meeting the original equipment manufacturers specifications, is recommended. The use of other ad-hoc charging methods is not endorsed.
    4. For disposal and assessment of any e-waste relating to these types of devices, follow the disposal of e-waste process.

  2. Parking and Storage of lithium battery vehicles

    1. Micro-mobility lithium-ion powered vehicles.
      1. Within University owned non-accommodation buildings, micro-mobility lithium battery vehicles may be stored or parked collocated with other conventional vehicles of a similar class and function when in the dormant state, i.e. e-bikes and e-scooters can be stored in areas designated for ‘standard’ cycles and scooter storage. The parking and storage of vehicles is governed by Section 9 of the Traffic and Parking Regulations.
      2. Within University owned Tertiary Education Accommodation (colleges) buildings, micro-mobility lithium battery vehicles may be stored or parked collocated with other conventional vehicles of a similar class and function when in the dormant state, i.e. e-bikes and e-scooters can be stored in areas designated for ‘standard’ cycles and scooter storage. The parking and storage of vehicles is governed by Section 9 of the Traffic and Parking Regulations. Micro mobility lithium battery vehicles shall not be stored in areas other than those designated and are explicitly prohibited from storage in exitways and bedrooms.
      3. Within University owned or leased Uniflats accommodation, it is strongly recommended that lithium battery micro-mobility vehicles are stored outside of bedrooms and exitways. See the UniFlats Handbook for further information.
      4. For disposal and assessment of any e-waste relating to these types of University owned vehicles, follow the disposal of e-waste process.
    2. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) may be parked or stored collocated with vehicles of a similar or other class and function when in the dormant state (aside from movement into and out of the parking location). Due to the higher capacity of this class of vehicle and the potential for significant energy discharge during thermal runaway, it is recommended that passenger vehicles be stored or parked externally to university buildings. If internal storage is deemed required, the building shall comply with section 3a of these guidelines for designated charge points for the parking or storage location.
    3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) may be parked or stored collocated with other vehicles of a similar class and function when in the dormant state (aside from movement into and out of the parking location). Due to the higher capacity of this class of vehicle and the potential for significant energy discharge during thermal runaway it is strongly recommended that battery electric vehicles (BEV) be stored or parked externally to university buildings. If internal storage is deemed essential, the building shall comply with section 3 of these guidelines for designated charge points for the parking or storage location.
    4. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) shall not be parked within 10m of any University building featuring aluminium composite panelling or polystyrene panelling. Contact Property & Campus Development for more information.

  3. Charging of lithium battery vehicles

    1. The use of electricity paid for by the University for charging of electric vehicles is governed by Section 10 of the Traffic and Parking Regulations.
    2. Designated charge points shall be positioned externally to university owned buildings. Should a designated charge point be deemed required to be located within a university building, approval of the Director of Property & Campus Development is required. The location shall be so designed as to manage any risk of thermal runaway within the lithium-ion batteries in use at the charge point without damaging adjacent spaces to the designated charging point via the following:
      1. Fire separation of the charging location at the property rating for the building, type 4 smoke detection with type 6 sprinkler protection strongly preferred, ventilation separate from the building ventilation and emergency power cut off equipment at the charge point; or
      2. A specific fire management design by a person competent to do so or;
      3. In exceptional circumstances, the total loss of the building containing the vehicle charging point, the associated vehicle and all the buildings contents is a considered and accepted risk due to the complexity and or affordability of managing the fire risk making an internal vehicle charging solution otherwise impracticable. Example scenario:  An external vehicle garage associated with staff or student accommodation comparable to a domestic dwelling.
    3. Lithium battery micro-mobility vehicle charging is not permitted within university owned or occupied buildings at any location other than designated charging points, with the exception of Uniflats accommodation when carried out in accordance with the UniFlats Handbook.
    4. It is recommended that designated charging points for micro-mobility vehicles within University accommodation facilities feature a timeclock or similar device to prevent charging between 20:00 and 07:00 hours to avoid the potential of a thermal runaway when any occupant may be sleeping.
    5. Vehicular lithium-ion battery charging equipment shall be provided by either:
      1. the original equipment manufacturer or;
      2. equipment compliant with SNZ PAS 6011:2023.
    6. Vehicular lithium-ion battery charging equipment shall be maintained by either:
      1. following the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions or;
      2. in compliance with SNZ PAS 6011:2023.

  4. Energy storage systems

    1. Energy storage systems with a battery capacity of <100Wh are considered to be portable electronic devices, for the purposes of this guide, section 1a of these guidelines applies.
    2. Energy storage systems with a battery capacity >100Wh shall be located within a space so designed as to manage any risk of thermal runaway within the lithium-ion batteries in use without damaging adjacent spaces to the designated energy storage system via the following:
      1. Fire separation of the energy storage system at the property rating for the building, type 4 smoke detection with type 6 sprinkler protection strongly preferred; emergency power cut off equipment at the electricity supply point; or
      2. a specific fire and battery management strategy by a person competent to do so or;
      3. the energy storage equipment is considered to be of low risk by a person competent to do so and the Director of Property & Campus Development is so notified and endorses the approach or;
      4. In exceptional circumstances, the total loss of the building containing the energy storage system and all the buildings contents is a considered and accepted risk due to the complexity and or affordability of managing the fire risk making energy storage system solution otherwise impracticable. Example Scenario: An ‘off grid’ or bespoke energy storage system facility in a remote location where adjacent personnel or assets are not at risk of associated loss and other energy storage solutions are also impracticable.

  5. Research equipment

    1. Research equipment with a battery capacity of <100Wh are considered to be portable electronic devices, for the purposes of this guide, section 1a of these guidelines applies.
    2. Stationary research equipment with a battery capacity of >100Wh shall be located within a space so designed as to manage any risk of thermal runaway within the lithium-ion batteries in use without damaging adjacent spaces to the designated research equipment via the following:
      1. Fire separation of the energy storage system at the property rating for the building, type 4 smoke detection with type 6 sprinkler protection strongly preferred; emergency power cut off equipment at the electricity supply point; or
      2. a specific fire management design by a person competent to do so or;
      3. the research equipment is considered to be of low risk by a person competent to do so and the Director of Property & Campus Development is so notified and endorses the approach or;
      4. In exceptional circumstances, the total loss of the building containing the research equipment, any associated energy storage equipment and all the buildings contents is a considered and accepted risk due to the complexity and or affordability of managing the fire risk making energy storage system solution otherwise impracticable. Example Scenario: An ‘off grid’ or bespoke research activity and facility in a remote location where adjacent personnel or assets are not at risk of associated loss and other energy storage solutions are also impracticable
    3. Portable or mobile research equipment with a battery capacity of >100Wh shall be located within a space so designed as to manage any risk of thermal runaway within the lithium-ion batteries in use without damaging adjacent spaces to the designated research equipment via the following:
      1. Fire separation of the research equipment at the property rating for the building, type 4 smoke detection with type 6 sprinkler protection strongly preferred, and emergency power cut off equipment at the electricity supply point; or
      2. a specific fire management design by a person competent to do so or;
      3. the research equipment is considered to be of low risk by a person competent to do so and the Director of Property & Campus Development is so notified or;
      4. In exceptional circumstances, the total loss of the building containing the portable or mobile research equipment, any associated energy storage equipment and all the buildings contents is a considered and accepted risk due to the complexity and or affordability of managing the fire risk making energy storage system solution otherwise impracticable. Example Scenario: An ‘off grid’ or bespoke research activity and facility in a remote location where adjacent personnel or assets are not at risk of associated loss and other energy storage solutions are also impracticable

  6. Storage

    1. For Lithium-ion batteries which need to be stored for an extended period of time, a battery management plan is required to maintain battery health, managing battery safety and energy state as per manufacturers recommendations.
    2. Storage shall meet environmental requirements of the manufacturer and limit potential for impact damage, electromagnetic interference, static discharge, and thermal runaway.
    3. Battery storage temperature shall be managed to meet manufacturer requirements to prevent overheating, degradation or freezing.

  7. Disposal

    1. Lithium-ion batteries should not be placed into household waste or recycling bins, as they can cause fires during waste collection, transportation, and processing.
    2. For disposal of portable electronic devices, see section 1d.
    3. Undamaged batteries (not swollen, punctured, or leaking, etc.) can be safely disposed of at a battery recycling drop off point. It is recommended that battery terminals are taped over before placing them into battery recycling collection bins. Batteries can be collected by raising a Property Services work request.
    4. Batteries that show signs of damage including swelling, leaking, cracks, dents, punctures, or crushing should be disposed of very carefully and should never be thrown in regular waste or recycling collection bins. Batteries showing signs of damage or distress can be collected by raising a Property Services work request where they will be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste utilising the hazardous and specialised waste guidelines in the Guidelines for Waste Minimisation and Management. Please ensure that the request is clearly describing that the collection of a damaged or faulty battery is required. If the battery is showing signs significant of distress by emitting gas, smoke, sparks, flames, or significant bulging, follow the emergency response procedures on the ‘Emergency Procedures’ flipcharts located throughout the campus, Section 8 provides additional guidance if required.

  8. Emergency response (informative)

    1. Refer to the University Emergency Procedures Flip Chart for Information.
    2. Portable electronic devices
      1. If it is safe to do so, disconnect the power to the device; if it is unsafe, call 111 from a place of safety even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames, and request assistance for a battery fire.
      2. Avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes, if possible and to do so safely, move the battery outside, away from any flammable material and windows or doorways.
      3. Small devices can be dropped into a bucket of water if this can be done safely.
      4. Small flames can be extinguished with water or a hose to stop fire spreading to nearby objects If using a fire extinguisher (dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide), only attempt to from a safe distance, away from any smoke or vapours.
      5. Water and fire extinguishers may be used to prevent the spread of fire but are not likely to fully extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire.
    3. Micro-mobility vehicles
      1. If it is safer to do so, disconnect the power to the device, if it is unsafe, call 111 from a place of safety even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames and request assistance for a battery fire.
      2. Avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes, if possible, to do so safely, move it outside, away from any flammable material, windows or doorways.
      3. Small flames can be extinguished with water or a hose to stop fire spreading to nearby objects If using a fire extinguisher (dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide), only attempt if it is safe to do so from a safe distance, away from any smoke or vapours.
      4. Water and fire extinguishers may be used to prevent the spread of fire but are not likely to fully extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire.
      5. Call 111 from a place of safety even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames. There is a chance that the battery could reignite if it has not been sufficiently cooled. Request assistance for a battery fire.
      6. NOTE: An electric vehicle that has been involved in a collision, or damage from fire or water, must be treated with caution as the battery may be compromised. Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident. Contact the vehicle manufacturer, and don’t charge or use damaged EVs until professionally inspected.
    4. Lithium powered passenger vehicles.
      1. Act quickly to make sure all passengers evacuate the vehicle.
      2. Make sure the park brake is engaged, and the vehicle is switched off.
      3. Keep clear of the vehicle and warn passers-by to keep a safe distance away (at least 30 metres), even if you can’t see smoke, vapours, or flames.
      4. Call 111 from a place of safety and inform the operator the vehicle involved is an EV
      5. An electric vehicle that has been involved in a collision, or damage from fire or water, must be treated with caution as the battery may be compromised. Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident. Contact the vehicle manufacturer, and don’t charge or use damaged EVs until professionally inspected.
    5. Stationary Energy Storage
      1. If it is safe to do so, Isolate the power from the equipment. If it is unsafe, call 111 from a place of safety even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames and request assistance for a battery fire.
      2. Operate the buildings emergency evacuation (fire alarm) system if able.
      3. Follow the evacuation procedure for the building.
      4. Call 111 from a place of safety and inform the operator the building has a battery fire.
    6. Research Equipment
      1. Research Equipment
      2. Lithium-ion batteries in storage (or awaiting disposal).
      3. Avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes, if possible, to do so safely, move it outside, away from any flammable material and windows or doorways.
      4. Small flames can be extinguished with water or a hose to stop fire spreading to nearby objects If using a fire extinguisher (dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide), only attempt to from a safe distance, away from any smoke or vapours.
      5. Water and fire extinguishers may be used to prevent the spread of fire but are not likely to fully extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire.
      6. Call 111 from a place of safety even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames. There is a chance that the battery could reignite if it has not been sufficiently cooled.

  9. Existing installations

    1. It is recommended that existing installations are assessed against these guidelines to identify and treat any potential existing risks to the university community and its assets.

Related policies, procedures and forms

Contact for further information

If you have any queries regarding the content of this policy, procedure or guideline or need further clarification, contact the

Associate Director, Property Operations
Email: compliance@otago.ac.nz

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