Terms of reference: Energy Storage Systems Task and Finish Group

The objective is to ensure the safe management of energy storage systems—specifically battery technologies ranging from large electric vehicle (EV) batteries to small portable items such as vapes—within public buildings. This includes identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety risks such as fires, inhalation hazards, electrocution, and burns associated with the use, charging, transportation, storage, and disposal of battery systems. By focusing on these areas, the group aims to provide public estate managers with the relevant information and guidance they need to implement safe and consistent practices throughout their buildings and facilities.

The Task and Finish (T&F) Group reports to the Building Safety Group – a sub-group of Ystadau Cymru.  The Building Safety Group has been established to identify, consider and address broader building safety risks i.e. those with potential for multiple fatalities.  The Building Safety Group has identified potential risks associated with charging and storage of batteries in portable and fixed equipment/buildings/property, on-site power generation and EV charging and related installations.

1. Review and synthesise existing guidance (public sector, insurers, fire authorities, transport bodies, professional institutions) and identify gaps requiring new or commissioned guidance.
2. If deemed necessary, produce central, practical guidance, and signposting to existing guidance, for public sector estates managers, building owners and those in control of buildings covering:
   • Fire risk mitigation for EV chargers, battery storage systems and associated installations (Photovoltaics [PV] integration, wiring, distribution).
   • Safe management of portable rechargeable equipment (e‑bikes, grounds/maintenance battery tools etc.) as a distinct but related risk stream. 
   • Design, correct installation, charging, maintenance, inspection and decommissioning considerations.
   • Risks arising from the interaction between two or more different battery types.
   • Risks from low‑cost imports and poor retrofit practices. 
   • Clear signposting to reputable technical resources and statutory/regulatory requirements.
   • Consider how Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) aligns with this work. 
3. Produce checklists, simple risk assessment templates, case studies and presentation materials suitable for non‑technical audiences and smaller town and community councils.
4. Recommend any required commissioning of independent expert input and identify potential budget needs.
5. Establish and maintain a shared repository of guidance, case studies and best practice for group members and stakeholders.

Included:

• Fixed installations: EV charge points (domestic, workplace, public), fixed battery storage systems and related PV/infrastructure where integration affects building safety.
• Portable rechargeable equipment: e‑bikes, scooters, battery‑powered hand tools and grounds maintenance equipment stored or charged within buildings.
• Procurement, contractor competence, insurance and record‑keeping expectations for public sector organisations.

Excluded:

• Detailed technical standards that are the remit of certifying bodies or manufacturers (the subgroup will signpost to these).
• Privately owned buildings where no public‑sector responsibility exists, except where such buildings are managed by public bodies.

• Neal O’Leary Chair / Welsh Government – Director, Sustainable Communities for Learning     
• Tracy Kearns Welsh Government – Head of EV Charging & Decarbonisation - Transport
• Anthony Pitcher  Senior Fire Safety Advisor- NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership  
• Gareth Tovey  Fire Brigades Union  
• Clare Phillips Welsh Government – Ystadau Cymru Head of Public Collaboration 
• Alwyn Jones Welsh Government - Head of Infrastructure Investment - North 
• Huw Davies  Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service  
• Arfon Davies Town Clerk - Llanelli Town Council 
• Andrew Mclaren North Wales Fire and Rescue Service 
• Lewis Young Welsh Government – Leasehold Support Scheme Funding Manager 
• Steve Bergiers Dyfed-Powys Police/Chair of Battery Safety Sub-group for the All-Wales Safety Partnership   
• Dan Stephens Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser and Inspector for Wales

• Chair: set agendas, lead meetings, maintain focus on deliverables and ensure actions are allocated.
• Members: attend meetings, contribute expertise, share relevant documents and best practice, review drafts, and support stakeholder engagement and dissemination of information.
• Secretariat: manage shared repository, circulate meeting papers and record actions.
• Commissioned specialist (if required): synthesise evidence, draft guidance and support stakeholder consultation.

• The T&F Group reports progress and key recommendations to the parent Building Safety Group at agreed intervals.
• Final guidance products will be approved by the parent group before wider dissemination.
• Significant resource requests (e.g., commissioning independent experts) will be escalated to the parent group with a clear costed proposal.

Frequency

Monthly or as agreed.

Meeting format

Hybrid (in‑person and remote) to accommodate members across Wales and beyond.  On-site meetings will be considered in situations where there is an identified benefit to T&F Group members i.e. an example scenario at a specific location.

Papers and actions

Agenda and papers circulated at least 5 working days in advance; minutes and action log circulated within 5 working days after meetings.

Decision making 

Consensus where possible; where votes are required, a simple majority of attending members decides.

Alignment

Ensure links are made with other groups as required.