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

The Battery Revolution – Balancing Innovation and Fire Safety

• 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

• What happens during overheating or physical damage
• Identifying early warning signs of failure
• The difference between battery types — lithium-ion vs lithium-metal
• Detection and monitoring technologies that can prevent escalation
• Recent lithium battery fire incidents in Ireland and internationally
• Common causes and investigative outcomes
• What went wrong — and what worked — in response and containment
• Impacts on facilities, staff, and business continuity

Firefighting Lithium Battery Fires

• 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

Storage, Charging and Handling in Workplaces

• 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