Lithium-ion battery explosions have quickly become the third leading cause of fires in New York City, according to the Fire Department.
Faced with such danger, legislators took on the task of promoting urgent laws to educate, regulate and even prohibit the sale of uncertified or used batteries.
“Today @NYCMayor signed our package of Lithium Ion Battery Fire Safety legislation to help ensure only safe batteries are sold,” Councilman Oswald Feliz, a driving force behind one of the laws signed by the mayor.
“Important step, and our work is not done: we will work to implement a battery exchange program, to ensure that certified batteries are easily accessible,” the message continues.
Today, @NYCMayor signed our package of lithium-ion battery fire safety legislation, to help ensure only safe batteries are sold. Important step, and our work is not over — we will work to implement a battery swap program, to ensure certified batteries are easily accessible. pic.twitter.com/ZnFzJJGOyc
— Oswald Feliz (@OswaldFeliz) March 20, 2023
This Monday, under the watchful eye of food delivery leaders who depend on them for a living, Mayor Eric Adams signed off on the legislation.
“We came here to stay. To continue contributing with our work and make our city better and more sustainable,” said Gustavo Ajche.
The legislation also establishes:
*Have the Fire Department submit reports on fires involving these devices.
*Educate New Yorkers about the dangers of its use.
*Requires the creation of educational campaigns for food distributors and prohibits the assembly or reconditioning of second-hand batteries.
Julio De Los Santos sees the concern well and believes in banning those that do not meet the requirements.
“Let the ones that enter the country be adequate enough,” De Los Santos said.
Precisely Adams said that he works at all levels to avoid poor quality. The workers are not to blame, she said. It is up to the government to act.
Many of these substandard and defective devices escape regulations at the state and federal level. We are going to make alliances with legislators to put an end to this, said the mayor.
NEW: Mayor New York, @NYCMayorhas signed a series of laws to regulate the sale of lithium ion batteries in NYC.
The initiative aims to prevent deadly fires caused by parts that are used by so many in our city. pic.twitter.com/4dSNpQVFMS
— New York City (@nycgob) March 20, 2023
“Well, I think it’s specifically good that the city is checking these batteries, precisely because the batteries have many irregularities and can cause damage,” said delivery man Franklyn Flores.
So far this year, three people have died and 40 have been injured in at least 31 fires caused by these devices. The legislation has the ultimate goal of saving lives.
The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office monitor businesses that sell, repair, and charge lithium batteries. Violators of the law can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.
