Background Information

Incidents involving lithium battery fires are increasing in frequency and severity. Currently, at least one lithium battery fire is reported aboard U.S. aircraft each week. Fires involving electric vehicles, though often underreported, are becoming more common on roadways. Fires from stationary sources are also on the rise.

Lithium batteries present unique hazards related to pyrolysis and fire suppression. In addition to lithium and lithium oxide, combustion can release a range of hazardous substances including hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and various metal fumes.

To support emergency response planning, this task force will develop a set of Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs)—specifically, one-hour inhalation exposure limits for key compounds associated with lithium battery fires.

Group Composition

This task force will operate under the leadership of the ERPG Working Group. It will be chaired by a current ERPG member and will include both ERPG members and external subject matter experts with experience in lithium battery fire behavior and associated exposures

General Time Commitment

• Meetings will be held every 2 to 4 weeks during the document development phase.
• Members are expected to contribute to task completion between meetings.

There are no corresponding (non-voting) member roles for this group.

Accountability

•  Members are accountable to the AIHA Board of Directors.
• All members must adhere to the AIHA Bylaws, Conflict of Interest Policy, and Code of Conduct.

The deadline to submit the following online application form is March 31, 2025. You can send in your self-nomination or nominate a candidate that you think is suitable for the role. If selected, you will be notified by May 1, 2025.

For more please contact Michele Twilley. We will be in touch as soon as we have an update. Thank you for your patience.