Laws that educate, regulate and even prohibit the misuse of lithium batteries in the city of New York were discussed this Thursday in the city council with the purpose of saving lives.
So far this year, according to the Fire Department, two people have died and 40 have been injured in 30 fires caused by these devices.
“The problem with batteries is overcharging. They leave them for more than eight hours,” said Javier Acosta, a food delivery man.
The project, discussed by a committee, urges the Fire Department to develop an information campaign on the dangers of misusing batteries.
Acosta has made a living on his scooter delivering food for four years. The main problem, he says, is misinformation.
“There are some that are special, that have fans inside, that avoid heating and that catches fire,” added Acosta.
Precisely the package of measures proposes to educate food distributors specifically about security measures that they have to take into account when they buy, use and recharge them.
From 2019 to date, the increase in claims and victims is alarming. From 30 to 220 last year. And 162 properties with structural damage.
We don’t buy them used. That we buy new ones,” said Guillermo Suy, another delivery man.
One of the most drastic points in the law would prohibit selling, leasing or renting means of transport that use the devices, if they do not comply with existing regulations. Violations would be punished with fines of up to $1,000.
In addition to laws, the Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Department jointly inspect places where they know lithium batteries are sold and recharged, looking for violations.
