Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Laurence Skelly, MSc. (Env. Health & Safety), BSc. (Health Science), MIES, Cert IOSH

Regulation, Compliance and the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542)

Speaker: Jay Sattin, Partner, Planning and Environment Law Team, Mason Hayes and Curran

• What the new EU regulation means for manufacturers, distributors and end users
• Safe transport and storage requirements under ADR
• Waste management and end-of-life obligations
• Aligning environmental, safety and insurance compliance

Incorporating Lithium Risk into Fire Safety Planning

Speaker: Dr Victor Hrymak, PhD, MSc, BSc, CMIOSH & MIFireE, Lecturer, TU Dublin  

• Updating your Fire Safety Management System
• Emergency response procedures for battery-related incidents
• Training, signage and communication with staff and tenants
• Coordinating with fire authorities and insurers on prevention and preparedness

Firefighting Lithium Battery Fires

Speaker: Dr Wojciech Mrozik, Faraday Institution Senior Research Fellow, Newcastle University

• Why lithium fires behave differently
• Suppression techniques, cooling methods, and safe disposal
• Fire service guidance and operational experience
• Training and preparedness for first responders and site safety teams

The Battery Revolution – Balancing Innovation and Fire Safety

Speaker: Guillermo Rein, Fire Science at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Imperial College London

• The rapid rise of lithium batteries across transport, industry, and buildings
• How battery design and chemistry influence performance and risk
• The reality behind fire incidents — separating fact from fiction
• Balancing energy innovation with regulatory and safety obligations

Inside Thermal Runaway – Understanding How Lithium Batteries Ignite - Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Speaker: Michelle O'Donnell, Environmental Director, Rowan

• Case Study - Recent lithium battery fire incidents in Ireland - Lithium Manufacturer – Galway
• Environmental Impact Assessments for lithium battery fire
• Environmental impacts of lithium battery incidents: smoke plume, toxic by-products, run-off, soil/water contamination, and waste classification
• Containment and clean-up planning: drainage isolation, contaminated water handling, and engaging specialist contractors early
• Incident management: immediate actions, escalation triggers, site control, evacuation decisions, and protecting responders

Storage, Charging and Handling in Workplaces

Speaker: Shane O’Carroll, Managing Director, Chemstore

• Safe storage and charging procedures for e-bikes, power tools, and battery packs
• Guidance on segregation, ventilation, and signage
• Incorporating lithium risks into workplace fire safety management
• Staff awareness and handling of defective or damaged batteries