This presentation explores the growing fire and explosion risks of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) in buildings, highlighting thermal runaway behaviour, regulatory gaps and when installations transition into “special hazards.” It compares NCC provisions with international benchmarks and outlines key considerations for safer design, management and firefighter protection.
Matt Booth is the ACT fire safety engineering manager of Jensen Hughes and he’s responsible for the operations of the Canberra office. Matt has a decade of experience working in the broader fire industry. Prior to Jensen Hughes, Matt worked with a product developer and supplier in the fire industry with experience in R&D, sales and project management. He completed his Master of Fire Safety Engineering at Western Sydney University in 2022.
Matt has completed fire safety engineering assessments and prepared performance solution reports for a wide range of new and existing buildings – including residential, office buildings, retail buildings and educational facilities. He’s also one of the primary consulting fire engineers for the Department of Defence – Estate Engineering Policy Directorate.
