NFPA 855 (2026 Edition): Key Changes for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Projects
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) continue to grow rapidly across utility, commercial, industrial, and critical infrastructure sectors. As project sizes increase and lithium-ion battery technology evolves, regulators and fire authorities are placing greater emphasis on fire safety, emergency response capability, and hazard mitigation.
The release of the 2026 edition of
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Integrated BESS, Wind, Solar and Data Center Project
Across Australia, large-scale renewable and digital infrastructure developments are increasingly being delivered as integrated precincts rather than standalone assets. These developments commonly combine utility-scale solar or wind generation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), high-voltage substations, data centres, and backup generation supported by diesel and other Dangerous Goods (DG).
While this integrated...
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Fire Protection for a Lithium-Ion Battery Warehouse
Fire protection design for a Lithium-Ion battery warehouse requires enhanced sprinkler systems, hydrant capacity, thermal runaway detection, and performance-based fire risk assessment (FRA), Special Hazard Report (A2G2 of NCC) or a fire safety study (FSS), that aligns with local Australian and international recognised standards and guidelines such as
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What are Legislative Obligations for storage of Lithium-Ion Battery in Various Australian States and Territories?
Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are classified as Class 9 Dangerous Goods (DG) under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADGC), with the UN number UN 3480 when stored as standalone units. Under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification, LiBs are identified as hazardous chemicals, primarily due to their fire, thermal runaway,...
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Navigating Lithium-Ion Battery Projects: Why You Need Expert Risk and Safety Advice from Day One
As Australia's energy storage sector expands, more businesses such as from logistics operators to solar battery installers, are entering the lithium-ion battery (LIB) space. While these batteries offer immense benefits, they also present significant fire safety, regulatory, and environmental risks. Whether you're at the concept stage of a Battery Energy...
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Consequence analysis for a BESS Project – The secret to a successful Fire Safety Study (FSS) and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA).
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities are rapidly expanding in Australian energy landscape. There are 100s of BESS facilities bult and 1000s in the pipeline. BESS unique fire hazards and potential consequences require thorough risk assessments, including Fire Safety Studies (FSS) and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA). One of the key...
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Essential Guide to Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA): Safeguarding Your Project's Success.
A Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is a critical component of risk assessment, particularly for facilities handling hazardous materials. This blog will explore the key questions surrounding PHAs, providing insight into when and how they are conducted and their role in safety and regulatory compliance.
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1 What is a Preliminary Hazard...
Conducting a Fire Safety Study (FSS): Meeting Regulatory Requirements
Fire safety is a critical aspect of any industrial or hazardous site operation. Fire Brigade throughout Australia, e.g. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) emphasizes the importance of conducting a Fire Safety Study (FSS) to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance the safety of personnel, the...
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