The Government is taking proactive measures to address the potential influx of substandard lithium-ion batteries into Jamaica as countries move to tighten regulations on their importation.
Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Brian Richardson, told JIS News that the plan of action will ensure public safety and environmental protection.
“The Ministry intends to collaborate with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) to develop and enforce stringent standards for battery safety and quality in keeping with the Standards Act (1969). We have asked the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the parent ministry of the BSJ, to facilitate the development of a quality-control standard for lithium-ion batteries,” he said.
Lithium-ion batteries are popular because of their energy storage technology and are contained in equipment such as electric vehicles and scooters, video cameras, cell phones, Bluetooth headsets and laptops.
However, inferior batteries can pose serious threats, including fire hazards, environmental pollution if not disposed of appropriately and financial loss.
Mr. Richardson further noted that in addition to domestic efforts, international collaboration is essential in establishing comprehensive regulations for lithium-ion batteries in Jamaica.
“By working closely with more affluent international regulatory bodies, we can adopt globally recognised standards and best practices and benefit from this shared knowledge and expertise rather than trying to replicate these standards from scratch,” he added.
Coming out of the inaugural World Fire Congress in Washington DC earlier this month, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford, expressed concern about the potential risks caused by substandard lithium-ion batteries.
This meeting brought together several fire chiefs from across the world to discuss and seek solutions to common global challenges.
“It is imperative that Jamaica prevents the influx of potentially hazardous lithium-ion batteries into our markets,” Commissioner Beckford said to JIS News.
He is encouraging the public to regularly check battery conditions, use recommended chargers, and avoid aftermarket or counterfeit batteries.
