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m en.DCPREV.FICIAL
REGISTER.U.0021021.23-12-
2024

D&DEPARTMENT OF FIRE, PUBLIC RESCUE AND DF,I A CIVIL DEFENSE

CHJTRAL DIRECTORATE FOR PREVENTION AND TECHNICAL ANTDJCENDIO AND ENERGY SAFETY

At Directions Regional/Interregional of fire

departments Fire, public
At rescue and civil defense
Fire brigade commands
And, p.c. To
Central Directorates of the Department of Fire,
Public Rescue and Civil Defense
AII'
Office of the Chief of the National Fire Department
Ì OCO

SUBJECT: Guidelines for the design, implementation and operation of Electric Energy Storage
Systems ('Energy Storap Batteries and Svstem - BEST').

With reference to the object. it is announced that as part of the activities of the Central
Committee for the technical safety of the energy transition and the management of risks
related to climate change referred to in Decree-Law No. 13 of February 24, 2023, as
amended, fire prevention guidelines have been prepared for the identification of
methodologies for 1 risk analysis and fire safety measures to be adopted for the design,
construction and operation of electrical energy storage systems, the so-called BESS, in the
drafting of which qualified representatives of Administrations and Entities in various
capacities concerned with the subject (D.P.C., MASE, MIMIT, MLPS, MIT, MUR, CNR,
ENEA , ISPRA) have also actively participated.

That being said, having also consulted with the Central Scientific Technical
Committee for Fire Prevention, attached are the aforementioned guidelines that provide a
useful technical tool for the territorial structures of the C.N.VV.F. when called upon to
express the relevant opinion within the scope of institutional activities.

THE HEAD OF THE NATIONAL FIRE

BRIGADE.

Dociment signed digitcilmente

GB/TM
 FIRE PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF
METHODOLOGIES FOR RISK ANALYSIS AND FIRE SAFETY MEASURES TO BE
ADOPTED FOR THE DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF
ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
("BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM")

Article 1. Purpose and scope

These guidelines apply to design, implementation and operation of electrochemical devices
intended for electrical energy storage known as Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
BESS refers to the set of electrochemical accumulators inside a cabinet (battery rack) or container
(battery container) for the purpose of storing electrical energy and using it when required.
BESS can be divided into three categories:
a) For residential use;
b) for solutions not intended for mass production but for serving residential complexes or
shopping centers. Such systems consist of modules that can be integrated into racks for
storage in a rack cabinet;
c) for solutions intended for mass production, i.e., containerized systems connected to wind
farms, solar farms, or in a stand-alone configuration. These types of devices are used to
provide power to areas not served by the power distribution grid or can be used for power
storage to mitigate imbalances present in the power grid. Specifically, a BESS can ensure
the stability of a power grid or power system by regulating voltage and frequency. Due to its
short response time, the battery storage system is an efficient solution for grid balancing. In
situations where too much electricity is generated relative to demand, BESSs intervene by
storing the excess energy, thus preventing possible grid congestion On the other hand, when
power generation is less than demand, BESSs immediately compensate for the shortage,
thus helping to maintain balance in the power supply system.
These guidelines provide methodologies for risk analysis and fire safety measures for devices
intended for mass production use (case c). It is understood that the same guidelines can also be a
useful reference for other types of facilities.

Article 2. Objectives
Background
BESS are not activities punctually listed in Annex I of Presidential Decree No. 151 of August 1, 2011
"Regulations on simplifying the discipline of fire prevention procedures, pursuant to Article 49
paragraph 4-quater, Decree-Law No. 78 of May 31, 2010, converted with amendments by Law No.
122 of July 30, 2010."
Generally speaking, the installation of a BESS, depending on its electrical/constructive characteristics
and/or the way in which it is , results in a substantial change in the pre-existing level fire safety and,
in some cases, may result in an aggravation of the level of fire risk. For the purpose of fire prevention
and in order to ensure the safety requirements for the protection of people and the protection of
property and environment fire hazards, installations

1
referred to Article 1 must be implemented and managed in accordance with these guidelines to ensure
that the following objectives are achieved:
a) Minimize the causes of accidental gas release as well as fire and explosion;
b) safety of human life;
c) safety of people;
d) Protection of property and environment;
e) Limit, in the event of an accidental event, damage to buildings or premises contiguous to the
plant;
f) Ensure that rescue teams can operate safely;
g) Prevent environmental damage and limit environmental impairment in case of fire.
In order to pursue the objectives of safety of human life and protection of the environment, a risk
assessment aimed at verifying the emission of toxic and/or carcinogenic gases from storage systems
is necessary, including but not limited to: hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide and dioxide
(CO, CO₂), hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Article 3. Technical provisions and their application
For the purpose of achieving the objectives in Article 2 above, please refer to the provisions in
Annex 1 of these guidelines.
These provisions apply:
- To newly built systems installed at subject activities included in the list in Annex I of
Presidential Decree 151/2011;
- in the case of changes relevant to fire safety involving changes in the pre-existing safety
conditions of existing systems installed at subject activities included in the list in Annex I to
Presidential Decree 151/2011.
In all other cases, these guidelines can serve as a useful reference when designing facilities.
Facilities that, on the date of issuance of these guidelines, are excluded from the obligation to
comply with the above provisions:
a) are in possession of enabling acts concerning also the existence of fire safety
requirements, issued by the competent authorities, as provided for in Article 38 of Decree Law No.
69 of June 21, 2013, converted, with amendments, by Law No. 98 of August 9, 2013;
b) Are in compliance with the requirements of Article 4 of Presidential Decree No. 151 of
August 1, 2011, if any;
c) installation work has been planned, or is in progress, on the basis of a project approved
under Article 3 or 7 of Presidential Decree No. 151 of August 1, 2011, if provided.

Article 4. Construction requirements

1. The equipment and/or assemblies constituting the installation shall be specifically
constructed and set up for the intended installation in accordance with the applicable EU and
national regulations.
2. The assemblies and equipment constituting the system shall be suitably installed in
accordance with the instructions in the installation, operation and maintenance manual provided by
the manufacturer or good engineering practice.
3. The installer shall be responsible for verifying that the system is suitable for the type of
use and type of installation envisaged, in order to pursue the objectives set forth in paragraph 2
above, and

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That the user has been informed of the specific obligations and prohibitions aimed at ensuring the
safe operation of the facility.

Article 5. Use of products for firefighting use

1. Fire-fighting products used within the scope of these guidelines must be:
a) uniquely identified under the manufacturer's responsibility according to applicable
procedures;
b) qualified in relation to required performance and intended use;
c) accepted by the person in charge of the activity, or the person in charge of execution of
the work by acquiring and verifying identification and qualification documentation.
2. Firefighting products are allowed to be used if they are used accordance with their
intended use, meet the performance requirements of these , and if:
a) Are in accordance with the applicable community provisions;
b) comply, where not covered by EU provisions, with the appropriate applicable national
provisions that have already been successfully submitted to the information procedure
under Directive (EU) 2015/1535;
c) where not covered in (a) and (b), are lawfully marketed in another Member State of
European Union or Turkey, or from an EFTA State signatory to the EEA Agreement and
lawfully marketed therein, for use under the same conditions that provide a level of
protection, for fire safety purposes, equivalent to that provided in the attached Technical
Guide.
3. The equivalence of the level of protection, provided by the products for fire-fighting use
referred to in paragraph 2, shall be assessed, where necessary, by the Ministry of the Interior by
applying the procedures provided for in Regulation (EC) No. 764/2008 of the European Parliament
and of the Council and, as of April 19, 2020, those provided for in Regulation (EU) 2019/515 of
March 19, 2019, on the mutual recognition of goods lawfully marketed in another Member State.

3
 Annex 1 (art. 3)

Title I - General Provisions

1. Terms, definitions, and dimensional tolerances.

1.1 For terms, definitions and dimensional tolerances, please refer to the decree of the Minister
of the Interior dated Nov. 30, 1983 (Official Gazette No. 339, Dec. 12, 1983).
1.2. For the purpose of these , it is defined as:

1.2.1 Website
Area the business is located.

1.2.2 Relevant area of the plant

Relevant area on which the constituent elements of the BESS plant insist.

1.2.3 Rooms intended for ancillary services

Rooms within plant appurtenances used for complementary activities such as: offices, toilets,
storage rooms, workshops without the use of open flames, etc.

1.2.4 Business owner

Any natural or legal person who owns or operates an establishment or facility, or to whom
decisive economic or decision-making power has been delegated for the technical operation
of the establishment or facility.

1.2.5 Personnel in charge

Properly informed, trained and educated personnel as well as authorized to also intervene in
the management of the plant, locally or remotely via remote control room.

1.2.6 Electrochemical Cell

Elementary device capable of transforming electrical energy into chemical energy and vice
versa, enabling its storage.

1.2.7 Form
Set of cells installed in a single housing frame, electrically connected in a given
configuration of series and parallels, and containing at least one BMS-connected subsystem
dedicated to acquiring the voltage of each individual cell and the sensed temperatures of the
sensors provided. The module BMS normally also contains hardware devices to keep the
installed electrochemical cells balanced in terms of state of charge.

1.2.8 Battery Rack (or Cabinet)

Set of modules electrically connected and managed by the BMS.

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 1.2.9 Battery Container
Enclosure containing the battery racks and all management, monitoring, and protection
devices necessary for their operation, and possibly part of the system's Power Conversion
System, suitable for outdoor installation. It can be internally accessible to operators (walk in
unit) or equipped with doors and hatches to inspect components while remaining outside
unaccessible (non occupiable space). It can have the shape of standard containers, e.g., 20
feet or 40 feet or different shapes (e.g., "cubes").

1.2.10 Thermal runaway

Thermal runaway is an exothermic, uncontrolled chemical reaction that generates a
temperature rise in the individual element (cell) and self-fuels a chain reaction with the rapid
release of a significant amount of energy. Therefore, decomposition of chemical compounds
and eventual rupture of the cell occurs, with potential emission of flammable vapors and a
flame ignition.
mechanisms that can trigger thermal runaway are varied and include:
• Overloadapplying a voltage higher than rated can overheating and internal damage to
the cell;
• Short circuit: an internal or external short circuit can generate a sudden release of
thermal energy, triggering the reaction;
• physical damage: mechanical impacts or penetrations can compromise the structural
integrity of the cell, leading to dangerous reactions;
• manufacturing defects: anomalies during the manufacturing process can leave
impurities or defects that increase the risk of thermal runaway;
• aging of cells;
• thermal abuse.
Possible consequences of thermal runaway include fire, explosion, venting and cell swelling.

Figure 1 Fire triangle its relationship with thermal runaway

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1.2.11 BMS
The BMS (Battery Management System) has the functions of monitoring, protecting, and
maintaining the safety and optimal operation of the battery modules. The BMS monitors
voltage, current and temperature parameters, optimizing the use of the system by avoiding
operating conditions that can trigger thermal runaway.

1.2.12 Power Conversion System

It is an apparatus that transforms the direct current generated by battery racks into alternating
current with an appropriate voltage level to connect to the electrical substation and then to
the grid. It consists of DC/AC inverters, an electrical transformer, and a medium-voltage
switchgear. It is a separate apparatus from the battery container, although some
manufacturers house part of these components in the same container that houses the
batteries.
1.2.13 BESS Island
Area on which a Power Conversion System and the Battery Containers electrically
connected to it (including auxiliary distribution and instrumentation and control) insist,
representing the minimum complete storage system at the electromechanical level. The
BESS island is usually replicated in a modular manner on the system.

1.2.14 Fire and security system

Set of devices and systems for the detection, automatic signaling of fire and/or presence of
flammable gases, fire inhibition, control or extinguishing systems of automatic or manual
type and indoor forced ventilation system.

1.2.15 Platform
Civil work on the container containing the BESS is installed.

1.2.16 Transformer
Device to adjust system voltage values to the power grid of power BESS islands.

1.2.17 Inverter
Device capable of transforming direct current into alternating current and managing energy
flows.

1.12.18 HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Air conditioning system on board the Battery Container.

1.12.19 Off Gasses

Gaseous products released as a result of venting a cell, among which hydrogen can be
counted.

1.12.20 Anti-explosion system

Facility capable of detecting and inhibiting the formation of an explosive atmosphere or set
of arrangements to circumscribe areas affected by the effects of an explosion.

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 Figure 2 - Components of a BESS

1.12.21 Fire and explosion testing

Test conducted in accordance with UL 9540A aimed at identifying alternative fire and
explosion prevention and protection measures to those proposed in the following guideline.
Fire tests in accordance with UL 9540 are among the standardized protocols and are not
subject to the requirement that a qualified representative of the National Fire Service be
present.

2. Constituent elements of plants

The various elements that make up the facility must be equipped with the features, safety
devices, and equipment set forth in Title II below.
BESS facilities can consist of the following elements.
2.1 Electrochemical cells assembled into modules and cabinets (Assembled Batteries)
The BESS system is an electrochemical energy storage facility, i.e., a facility consisting of
subsystems, equipment and devices necessary for energy storage and bidirectional
conversion of energy into medium-voltage electricity. Storage technology (lithium ion or
lithium polymer batteries) consists of electrochemical cells. Individual cells are electrically
connected to each other in series and in parallel to form battery modules. The modules, in
turn, are electrically connected to each other and assembled in special cabinets (battery
racks) so as to achieve the required values of power, voltage, and current. The combination
of all battery racks makes up the battery assembly.

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 Figure 3- Generalized system architecture

2.2 BMS - Battery Management System

System for continuous monitoring of basic battery parameters (voltage, current, and
temperature). Having a hierarchical organization in general, several BMSs are installed in
order to manage only modules and racks rather than the entire battery assembly. The BMS
of the modules also assesses the voltage balance between cells and their protection from
overvoltage/undervoltage, overcurrent, short-circuit current, and overtemperature, ensuring
external communication with the racks. The rack BMS carries over the functions of the
module BMS to a larger scale.
2.3 PCS: Power Conversion System
Bidirectional DC/AC conversion system generally consisting of MV/LV transformers,
bidirectional DC/AC static conversion bridges, sinusoidal network filters, RFI filters,
control, monitoring and diagnostic systems, protection and shunting systems, auxiliary
systems (air conditioning, ventilation, etc.) and interface systems assembled batteries.
2.4 Central supervisory system
Coordinates the exercise of two or more BESS.
2.5 Fire-fighting system
The purpose of the fire suppression system is to detect and extinguish a fire. The fire-
fighting system communicates with the BMS and includes arrangements for the prevention
and management of explosive mixtures.
2.6 Single cell protection systems
Protective devices are installed on the cells that aim to prevent the batteries from working
outside the tolerance range.
Four types of protective devices can be distinguished:
• CID (Current Interrupt Device): is an irreversible protection device; it
intervenes in case of overpressure, interrupting the circulation of current inside the
cell;
• Vent valve: in case of excessive internal pressure, gas is released to prevent
rupture or explosion of the cell itself; the vent valve goes into

8
 action in case the DIC is absent or in case the pressure continues to rise despite
the intervention of the DIC.
• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient): is a reversible protection device; it
intervenes in the event of an overcurrent by increasing the resistance, as the
temperature increases, and returning the current in the battery to a safe level.
• PCB (Protection Circuit Board): is an electronic active cell protection device
that takes action in the event of overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent and short
circuit.
These functions can be performed at the module level or in aggregate by the BMS (with the
exception of the relief valve).
2.7 Electrical protection systems
Electrical protection systems mainly aim at accident prevention by going to cut off the
power supply to components exposed to abuse or subject to damage. We can distinguish two
types:
● fuses: fuses are installed between groups of cells with the task of intervening in the
event of an overcurrent, to de-energize the cell bank and prevent overfeeding that
could damage them;
● DC switch: unlike the fuse, it is a type of active, reversible barrier that is intended to
de-energize an entire/group of racks.
2.8 Ancillary services
Auxiliary services are electrical protection systems, power and signal cables, power
transformers, HVAC air conditioning system, and power switchboards.
2.9 Battery Container
The battery container houses the battery assembly, the interfacing panel, as well as the
various control systems. In case of housing inside a container, the structure of the container
is of the self-supporting metal type, so it must be at least IP55. The container is equipped
with an internal air conditioning and temperature control system. In order to prevent the
spread of any fire between adjacent containers, the metal structure must be non-combustible.
In addition, appropriate design measures, such as non-propagation tests, fire walls, safety
distances, adequate fire resistance characteristics, must be taken to prevent the propagation
of thermal runaway incident events between a container and adjacent containers.
2.10 Water management
Depending on the design choices, which range from the battery technology used to the BESS
plant construction solution (e.g. greenfield, brownfield), and layout characteristics
(container, cube, building), BESS plants will be equipped with appropriate measures to
ensure proper management of different types of water, in compliance with all applicable
environmental regulations. Such measures may include, for example, the use of tanks,
collection systems, oil separators, etc.

2.11 Coordination of protection systems

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 The plant components and protection systems listed above must operate in a coordinated
manner with each other in order to prevent or extinguish the fire.
The first level of protection is the BMS, which is responsible for operating the cells within
the operating ranges provided by the manufacturer, detects any abnormalities in the
operation of the cells (overvoltage, undervoltage, overtemperature) and acts accordingly, for
example, by limiting the current delivered or operating the cooling system.
Coordination between the BMS and systems external to the batteries (fire-fighting,
converters) may be done differently depending on the designer's choices. In addition to
coordination between the various systems, however, there must be redundant and
independent devices that will intervene if the coordinated ones fail (e.g., fuses and PTCs,
which will intervene if the BMS detects nothing or fails to function itself).
In general, protection levels will need to be verified in terms of independence and
availability.
BMSs must be designed according to the principles of functional safety set forth in
applicable industry standards according to the rule of art.

2.12 Off-Gasses detectors: they are responsible for quickly and effectively detecting
gaseous products that are released as a result of cell venting; they are connected to the safety
and fire protection system.
3 Materials.
The battery components (cells and modules) that make up the racks within the battery container
must be tracked in terms of manufacturer and origin and must be accompanied by the relevant
MSDS provided by the manufacturer in order to anticipate a failure in the event of a recall
campaign by the manufacturer.
In general, it is preferable to compose racks within the BESS of cells and/or modules from the same
manufacturer and using the same model.
There are storage systems built with cells or modules that have already been used in another use
(usually related to the automotive field), in which case they are referred to as "second life" systems.
For such systems, homogeneity of the characteristics of the constituent cells/modules must be
ensured or, alternatively, the designer must provide for managing the difference in performance of
the various components.
The materials used in the construction of the elements of the system must comply with the version
in force with the provisions and directives of the applicable national and international standards,
CEI, EN, IEC, IEEE, CENELEC, UL, UNI, ISO, etc., with their additions or variations.
following is a non-exhaustive list of applicable standards and documents:

CEI 0-16
Reference technical rule for the connection of Active and Passive Users to the HV and MV
networks of electricity distribution companies
IEC 0-16, V1
Variant V1 of CEI 0-16, Reference technical rule for the connection of active and passive users to
the HV and MV networks of electric power distribution companies
IEC 0-16, V2
Variant V2 of CEI 0-16, Reference Technical Rule for the Connection of Active and Passive Users
to the HV and MV Networks of Electricity Distribution Enterprises

10
CEI 211-6
Guide for the measurement and evaluation of electric and magnetic fields in the frequency range 0
Hz - 10 Hz, with reference to human exposure.
CEI 99-5
Guide for the execution of grounding systems of active and passive utilities connected to
distribution systems with voltage higher than 1 kV AC.
IEC EN 50522
Grounding of electrical installations with voltage higher than 1 kV in a.c.
CEI EN 60076-10
Determination of sound levels of power transformers
CEI EN 61000-6-2
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-2: Generic standards - Immunity for industrial
environments.
CEI EN 61000-6-4
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic standards - Emission for industrial
environments.
IEC EN 61936-1
Electrical installations with voltage higher than 1kV in a.c. - Part 1: Common prescriptions.
IEC EN 62305-1
Lightning protections-Part 1: General principles.
IEC EN 62305-2
Lightning protection - Part 2: Risk assessment.
IEC EN 62305-3
Lightning - Part 3: Material damage to structures and danger to people
IEC EN 62305-4
Lightning protections - Part 4: Electrical and electronic systems in structures.
IEC 60502-2
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1.2
kV) up to 30 kV (Um= 36 kV) - Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (Um= 7.2 kV) up to 30
kV (Um = 36 kV)
IEC 62933-1
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 1 Vocabulary
IEC 62933-2-1
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 2-1 Unit parameters and testing methods - General
specification
IEC 62933-3-1
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 3-1 Planning and performance assessment of
electrical energy storage systems - General specification
IEC 62933-4-1
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 4-1 Guidance on environmental issues - General
specification
IEC 62933-5-1
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 5-1 Safety considerations for grid-integrated EES
systems - General specification
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IEC 62933-5-2
Electrical energy storage (EES) systems - Part 5-2 Safety requirements for grid-integrated EES
systems - Electrochemical-based systems
FM Global 5-33
Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
NFPA 15
Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection
NFPA 855
Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems
UL 9540
Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment
UL 9540A
Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy
Storage Systems
UNI 9795
Fixed automatic fire detection and fire alarm systems-Design, installation and operation
UNI-CEN-TS 14816
Fixed firefighting installations - Water spray systems - Design, installation and maintenance

Title II - Construction Methods

1. Access to the area

1.1 At least two entrances to the site, in reasonably opposite positions, with the following minimum
requirements must be provided to allow fire department rescue vehicles to operate:
− width: 3.50 m;
− Clear height: 4 m;
− turn radius: 13 m;
− Slope: not more than 10%;
− Load resistance: at least 20 tons (8 on the front axle and 12 on the rear axle: 4 m wheelbase).
1.2 The areas on which BESS are placed must be fenced, with a height of not less than 1.8 meters,
or otherwise constructed in such a way as to make these elements inaccessible and prevent
tampering.
In the case of installations within sites already provided with their own fence, the aforementioned
fence is not necessary. Where provided, such fencing or any other measures taken to make such
elements inaccessible shall be placed at a distance from the elements of the installation itself allows
its safe operation and maintenance.
The installation must be designed and built in accordance with rule of art.

2. Technical units

2.1 Electrical construction.

2.1.1 Electrical constructions must be built in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 186 of
March 1, 1968, taking into account the electrical risk classification of the places to be conducted

12
According to the relevant technical standards, ensuring the achievement of following fire safety
objectives:
a) Limit the likelihood of being a cause fire or explosion;
b) Limit the spread a fire through its components;
c) Allow occupants to leave the premises in a safe condition;
d) enable rescue teams to operate safely.
2.1.2. For purpose of achieving the objectives in 2.1.1:
a) installations provided for in Title I, Article 2, shall be protected against the risk of
electrocution and against the risk of electrostatic charge formation in accordance with the
relevant technical standards;
b) electrical installations, shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance
with the rule of art, in accordance with current regulations, with specific fire safety requirements.
Electrical installations shall comply with the following fire safety objectives set forth in Sections
S.10.5 "Fire Safety Objectives" and S.10.6.1 "Additional fire safety requirements for facilities
for the production, transformation, transportation, distribution and utilization of electrical
energy" set forth in Ministerial Decree August 3, 2015, as amended.
Specifically, the above facilities meet the following safety measures:
1. be equipped with at least one emergency disconnecting device located in a protected
position such that the power to the entire system is disconnected or, alternatively, be
operated in accordance with procedures outlined in the emergency plan in such a way that
it does not pose a hazard shutdown operations;
2. be divided into several terminal circuits so as to ensure the electrical independence of the
power supply circuits of security services and the power supply circuits of services
provided to the public;
3. Be equipped with circuits, protected from fire, for the supply of safety services intended
to operate in the event of fire according to the specifications set forth in the applicable
technical reference standards and, in any case, not less than the following table:
Type of planting Autonomy Switching times between
(min) ordinary and
emergency (sec)
Control systems 60 15
Emergency lighting (in 60 0.5
case of walk-in containers)

2.2 Grounding system and protection of structures from atmospheric discharges.

The installation shall be provided with an earthing system and the necessary measures to protect
against the direct and indirect effects of atmospheric discharges as a result of the calculation of the
probability of lightning strikes in accordance with the applicable regulations and technical
standards.

2.3 Prevention of formation of potentially explosive mixtures

The risk assessment must include the risk of formation of explosive atmospheres. Chapter V.2 of
Ministerial Decree Aug. 3, 2015, can be adopted as a useful reference for this purpose, and
s.m.i. by adopting, in addition to the measures contained in these guidelines, measures aimed
achieving the minimum level of protection referred to in Section V.2.2.6. The implementation of
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any technical solutions compensating for the identified risks must be prior

14
documented as part of the risk analysis through suitable determination of the expected performance
and availability of the implemented technical system. BESS systems cannot be installed in ATEX
classified areas.

2.4 Additional electrical safety devices

The BESS system must be equipped with the following types of devices:
- fuses;
- DC switch;
- off-gasses detectors

2.5 Measures against thermal runaway propagation

In order to limit the spread of heat due to the fire and/or the fire itself, the adoption of appropriate
preventive measures should be evaluated, including the installation of physical barriers between
cells, in order to slow down the spread of heat due to the fire and/or the fire itself. The above
measures should be evaluated in order to avoid the evolution of thermal runaway into cascading
thermal runaway.

Figure 4 Thermal Runaway: Cascading Thermal Runaway

2.6 Measures for the management explosive gases

Appropriate measures must be taken for the prevention and proper management of explosive
mixtures resulting from cell venting following thermal runaway.
2.7 HVAC system
The purpose of the air conditioning system must be to ensure an environment with constant thermo-
hygrometric parameters such that condensation is prevented inside the battery systems (modules,
racks).

Title III - Active Protection Measures

1. Fire detection and alarm systems

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The installation of a fire detection and alarm (IRAI) system is required to protect the entire
business, complying with current regulations and with the following main functions:
A, automatic fire detection; B, control
and warning function; C, fire alarm
function;
L, safety power function; D, manual
signal function.
Functions B, C, L, D are extended to the whole activity, while function A can also be provided only
in areas or rooms where , based on risk assessment, fire development is possible.
Signals from the systems are reported to a special control unit located in the technical room inside
the plant, with the possibility of repetition outside. A signaling device, light and sound, connected
to the activation of control systems is installed outside.
Battery rooms and battery containers must be equipped with automatic fire detectors in accordance
with UNI 9795/EN 54-1, which consist of a sensor apparatus with the purpose of detecting gas,
smoke and/or heat. In the event that the safety values are exceeded, it is deemed necessary for the
fire alarm system to be deployed to secure the system. In addition, the system will be equipped with
a system for the prevention and management of explosive mixtures.
2. Water use for incident management
BESSs must be protected with a hydrant network designed, installed, tested and operated according
to the rule of art and in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministry of the Interior Decree
of December 20, 2012. For the design of the network, reference can be made to the UNI 10779
standard, assuming, for the activity, a hazard level of not less than 2.

The use of alternatives to the prescribed measure must be evaluated as part of the fire and explosion
risk analysis, demonstrating the achievement of the required performance and the availability of the
implemented technical measure.

Alternative solutions can also be identified conducting tests under 1.12.21

In addition to the fire hydrant network, in incident management, if all preventive and mitigation
barriers have not been sufficient to ensure long-term cooling of the container/housing affected by
the failure, measures must be implemented to enable incident management.

3. Fire control and/or extinguishing system

Fixed fire-fighting systems with the following characteristics must be installed inside battery
containers or battery rooms:

• Use of the most suitable extinguishing agent depending on the type of battery and the
characteristics of the battery container or room;
• Automatic activation on fire detection signal.

The achievement of the expected performance and the availability of the specific technical measure
implemented should be evaluated and documented as part of the fire and explosion risk analysis.

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4. Fire extinguishers
To enable the prompt extinguishment of a fire start, fire extinguishers suitable for use are installed
in such numbers as to ensure a maximum reach distance of 20 m.
As a result of the findings of the fire risk assessment, fire extinguishers for other specific hazards are
installed, suitably located at a distance of not more than 15 m from the sources of risk.
Fire extinguishers must always be available immediate use, so they are placed:
▪ in an easily visible and reachable position along escape routes near room, floor or end exits;
▪ In vicinity of any specific risk areas.
In indoor workplaces, water-based fire extinguishers (water extinguishers) should be used against
Class A or Class B fire starts.
For use of fire extinguishers on live electrical systems or equipment, fire extinguishers suitable for
the intended use and in appropriately justified numbers must be installed.

Title IV - Risk assessment and safety distances.

1. Requirements and objectives of risk assessment
The design, implementation and operation of electrochemical devices intended for electrical energy
storage (BESS) should be preceded by a risk assessment.
The fire risk assessment must include at least the following elements:
a) Identification of fire hazards;
b) Description of context and environment in which the hazards are embedded;
c) Determination of quantity and type of occupants exposed to fire risk;
d) Identification of assets exposed to fire risk;
e) Qualitative or quantitative assessment of the consequences of the fire on occupants,
property and the environment;
f) Identification of preventive measures that can remove or reduce hazards that result in
significant risks.
Given the possibility that the aforementioned BESS systems will result in incident scenarios with
the presence of flammable substances in the gas/vapor state in the event of an emergency, the fire
risk assessment must also include the risk assessment for the presence of explosive atmospheres.
In addition, a safety analysis must be prepared for the assessment of technological accidents, such
as fires, explosions, and toxic releases that may occur as a result of naturally occurring disaster-
related events (NATECH).

The presence of cells or modules used in "second life," i.e., degraded from their nominal
performance, implies redefining the performance that can be safely performed and thus considered
''nominal'' for the new application.

2. Safety distances

The safety distances (internal, external, and protective) should be calculated taking into account the
installed power within the BESSs, the type of buildings in the vicinity of the plant, any critical
activities or sensitive elements located in the vicinity of the plant, and other specific risk activities.
In the design of BESSs, safety and protective distances must be provided such that:
1. Preventing the spread of fire and explosion between adjacent BESS and/or damage to
auxiliary equipment;
2. Avoid irradiation to BESS accompanying devices such as transformers, inverters, etc.

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 3. Avoid exposure to toxic and/or carcinogenic chemicals for occupants.
The aforementioned distances must, in all cases, allow the operation to the means of public rescuers
within the site. These distances must be computed from the hazardous elements.
The plan area enclosed by the perimeter of the single BESS container cannot be greater than 32 m2,
corresponding to the plan area of a standard 40-foot container.
In design, the following safety distances shall be observed:

ELEMENT Safety distances (m)

Exterior Protection Internal
CONTAINER BESS 20 6 4
BESS ISLANDS. 20 6 6
Table 1- Safety distances
The island of BESS, replicated in a modular manner, should respect the minimum mutual distance
shown in Table 1.
The above safety distances will need to be increased if more detailed safety assessments conducted
by BEES manufacturers/designers dictate greater distances.

Transformers and inverters are also considered hazardous elements when such electrical machines
fall within the scope of the July 15, 2014 DM. In this case, the determination of internal safety
distances (Table 1.) can be carried out with reference to the aforementioned DM July 15, 2014.
Where compliance with safety and protective distances as indicated above is not possible, protective
barriers must be provided to prevent accidental events such as fire and/or explosion of a single
BESS from triggering internal domino effects on other BESS.
The interposition of appropriate protective barriers allows the distances given in Table 1 to be halved,
subject to verification of the operation of fire-fighting equipment.

3. Alternative methodologies for determining safety distances.

Safety distances other than those of this Title may be identified by applying the methodologies of
the engineering approach to fire safety provided in the Decree of the Minister of the Interior May 9,
2007, "Guidelines for the Implementation of the Engineering Approach to Fire Safety ".

The calculation of safety distances should be carried out according to the risk assessment
methodologies in Appendix 2 and taking into account prevention and protection measures, such as
but not limited to:
● system for local management and control of the battery module and its components (BMS)
for monitoring the constituent elements of the system to ensure proper operation in the
nominal ranges of voltage, current, and temperature values and consequent disconnection
system of the elements with relevant anomalies in the operating parameters;
● battery system components selected and tested to prevent and limit thermal runaway,
especially flame ignition and propagation with reference to internationally recognized
testing standards such as testing according to UL 1973, IEC 62619, UL9540A;

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 ● Explosive gas detection and alarm systems;
● Fire detection and alarm systems;
● BESS automatic de-escalation system subservient to a fire and gas detection system;
● BESS manual disconnection system;
● Potentially explosive mixture management system;
● Automatic fire control and/or extinguishing system

Title V - Operating Rules

1. Generalities.
In the operation of BESSs, the requirements specified in the following points must be observed in
addition to the provisions set forth in the Interministerial Decrees of September 1, 2021, September
2, 2021, and September 3, 2021.
The person in charge of the activity ensures that the facility is maintained in a workmanlike manner.

1.1. Operation of the plant

Operation is permitted only under the supervision, including remote supervision, of activity
manager or a person or persons formally designated by the activity manager. The person in
charge of the activity and the designated personnel shall receive specific training regarding the
operation of the plant, the hazards and inconveniences that may result from the BESS, and the
safety measures to be taken in the event of an accident. This training is also extended to
maintenance personnel.
In plant areas, storage of flammable or combustible materials is prohibited, except for
flammable or combustible materials necessary for the operation of the plant itself.
1.2. General emergency prescriptions.
Plant personnel must:
a) be made aware of the rules contained in this annex, the internal safety regulations and the
emergency plan prepared;
b) immediately activate in the event of fire or danger the specially defined emergency plan,
implementing procedures provided for carrying out the appropriate actions, also acting
remotely on the emergency devices and equipment in the plant;
c) Notify emergency services.

2. Technical papers.
The following documents must be available at the facility:
a) An operations manual containing instructions operating the plant;
b) Emergency planning containing procedures for securing the facility:
c) A plan showing the location of fire-fighting facilities and equipment, as well as indicating the
areas protected by individual fire-fighting facilities;
d) The schematics of the electrical, signaling and alarm systems;
e) The plant's maintenance logbook indicating the scheduled maintenance intervals and giving
evidence of the activity carried out.

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3. Safety signage.
The safety signage provisions of Legislative Decree No. 81 of April 9, 2008, among others, must be
observed. In addition, suitable signage reproducing a flow diagram of the plant with indications of
the equipment and various constituent units must be displayed in a conspicuous position so that they
can be easily identified.
A floor plan of the facility must be displayed and instructions for inherent employees posted:
a) How to behave in an emergency;
b) The placement of safety devices;
c) the maneuvers to be performed to secure the facility (e.g., operation of emergency buttons,
operation of firefighting equipment).

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 Appendix 1: Constituent Elements of the
BESS.

The BESS consist of the following elements:

▪ Battery subsystem: consists of lithium-ion batteries with a life expectancy equal to the
expected lifetime of the system under normal operating conditions suitable outdoor installation. The
battery will be composed of electrochemical cells, electrically connected to each other in series and
in parallel to form battery modules. The modules will in turn be electrically connected to each other
in series and/or parallel and assembled in appropriate cabinets/racks so as to achieve the required
values of power, voltage and current. Each rack will have its own battery management system
"Battery Management " (BMS) to manage the state of charge "State of Charge" (SoC), state of
health "State of Health" (SoH), voltage, current and temperature of each level of battery modules in
the rack, as well as control and protection. The batteries and their BMS are, typically, integrated
into standard ISO containers (20 or 40 feet) or into custom cabinets to be placed outdoors equipped
with an internal temperature control system, fire and flammable gas detection system, and anti-
explosion system.

▪ Power Conversion Subsystem: consists of one or more bi-directional power converters,

integrated into custom cabinets for outdoor laying or standard 20/40-foot ISO containers equipped
with environmental conditioning system, fire suppression system and smoke detection system. The
PCS will be equipped with converter controllers, LV/MV transformers, sine wave and RFI filters,
AC circuit breakers and protectors, DC circuit breakers and protectors, etc.

▪ Control subsystem: consists of several systems, for example: the plant integrated control
system (ICS), which will ensure the proper operation of each PCS-operated battery assembly, and
the central integrated control system (SCCI), which will report alarms and "warning" signals from
the BESS plant to the control room. Specifically, these systems are grouped as follows:

Power Control System: The BESS plant control system typically consists of industrial
PCs connected to the system via redundant architecture; which manages the entire
storage systemenergy management and grid optimization, and all communications with
higher-level operators.
Battery Management System: The BMS is a system for local management and control
of the battery module and its components; the BMS controls protection and safety
devices and systems, control, monitoring and diagnostic devices, and auxiliary services.
Protection and auxiliaries: equipment designed to perform special functions in
addition to electrical energy storage or extraction, for example: protection and control
systems, auxiliary services (air conditioning, ventilation, interfaces, UPS, etc.), power
distribution circuit, etc.
Balance Plant: all plant components will be designed and installed taking into account
the environmental conditions of the installation site and the power and voltage
characteristics. By way of example, but not limited to, the following equipment will be
present: LV and MV switchboards, auxiliary transformers, isolation transformer,
MV/HV lift transformer, etc.

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 Appendix 2 - Methodologies for risk assessment.

The implementation of BESS for which, in accordance with Article 2 of Title IV - "Safety
Distances" the determination of safety distances is carried out using alternative methodologies, must
be preceded by a risk assessment aimed at identifying hazards, reference accident scenarios and
control measures, so as to prevent and reduce any negative impact that could cause injury to users,
including rescuers, personnel, damage or loss of property, damage to the environment and
production.
Risk assessment should be carried out taking into account the objectives in Article 2.
Risk assessment, under ISO 31000, is that step in the risk management process that includes:
● hazard identification;
● risk analysis;
● Risk estimation (assessment in the narrow sense, risk evaluation).

At least the following potential hazard factors should be included in the hazard identification phase:
● proximity of the hazardous elements constituting the BESS to areas where the presence of
workers and/or individuals in the population can be expected;
● Proximity of the hazardous elements constituting the BESS to surrounding buildings and
infrastructure;
● Proximity of the hazardous elements constituting the BESS to activities listed in Annex I of
Presidential Decree 151/2011;
● Proximity of the hazardous elements constituting the BESS to sensitive environmental
receptors such as waterways, groundwater, etc.

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