Why is BESS fire safety different?

 

• Lithium-ion cells can go into thermal runaway, which spreads from cell to cell and releases flammable and toxic gases.

• A burning battery container is usually not extinguished. Firefighters use a defensive strategy: they cool neighbouring containers and stop the fire from spreading. This is why water demand calculations made for buildings do not fit a battery park directly.

• Oil fires in high-voltage transformers are fought with foam, not water.

• Battery parks are often in remote locations where the fire brigade needs longer to arrive.

 

Who is the assessment for?

 

• BESS and solar park developers.

• EPC contractors and designers.

• Energy and grid companies.

• Investors and insurers who need an independent fire risk assessment.

 

What does the assessment include?

 

• Fire hazard assessment of the battery park, substation building and transformers: battery chemistry, container spacing, the manufacturer’s protection and ventilation systems.

• Firefighting tactics and response scenarios in the gas, fire and cooling phases.

• Analytical proof of water demand and of the need for a fire water intake under Estonian Regulation No. 10 and the Rescue Board guideline, including a water shuttle calculation.

• Probability of fire spread and fire separation distances.

• Assessment of transformer oil containment and fire walls.

• Conditions under which the solution is fire safe.

• International guidelines and insurer requirements where needed (e.g. NFPA 855, FM Global).

 

Which documents are needed?

 

• Site plan with containers, transformers, substation and access roads.

• Battery container manufacturer and type, capacity (MW/MWh) and battery chemistry.

• The manufacturer’s fire safety documents (e.g. emergency response guide, UL 9540A test report).

• Substation and transformer data, including the quantity of transformer oil.

• Building permit or design conditions on fire water supply.

 

How long does it take?

 

We agree the deadline in the offer, depending on the size of the project and the input data.

 

Frequently asked questions

Does a battery park always need a fire water intake?

 

Regulation No. 10 is based on the fire load density of the structure. For a battery park, water demand can be proven analytically, taking into account firefighting tactics and the manufacturer’s protection systems. The final decision is made by the Rescue Board.

Can the assessment be in English?

 

Yes. We also prepare the assessment in English, for example for an investor, insurer or foreign developer.

Who carries out the assessment?

 

A Tulipunane OÜ fire safety expert, professional level 6. Our work is covered by professional liability insurance.