The International Code Council (ICC) has published an early release of lithium-ion battery safety provisions from the forthcoming 2027 International Fire Code (IFC), giving code officials, designers and first responders immediate access to updated guidance for battery use in the built environment.
The guide, Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in the Built Environment – Early Release of the Chapter 43 Battery Provisions of the Forthcoming 2027 International Fire Code, was developed following recommendations from the Battery and Energy Storage Systems Ad Hoc Committee. ICC said the provisions were made available ahead of the standard code publication cycle because of the growing use of lithium-ion batteries and other emerging battery technologies.
The early release provides a research-based regulatory framework covering the manufacture, storage, use and recycling of lithium-ion batteries. It is intended to help local jurisdictions consider adoption, reference or application of the provisions before the full 2027 IFC is published.
According to ICC, releasing the Chapter 43 provisions early gives code officials an opportunity to review and consider battery safety requirements for their communities before the complete code edition is issued. The provisions are designed to address five related areas of battery activity: research, testing, manufacturing and recycling; storage and handling; micromobility device and equipment safety; enhanced fire detection and protection; and safety for first responders.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in the Built Environment guide can be viewed here.
