Transporting Lithium Batteries: Increased Safety Standards

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued new safety standards for transporting lithium batteries and cells that will become mandatory within six months.

The changes on transporting lithium batteries have been put into place to better ensure that lithium cells and batteries are able to withstand normal transport conditions. They must now be packaged to prevent damage that may cause unsafe situations, especially for air freight.

The new ruling provides a greater level of consistency with international standards. This includes the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by air.

Spontaneous Combustion

Lithium batteries have been implicated in a number of fatal transportation incidents over the years. For example, the crash of UPS Airlines flight 006 in 2010 caused by damaged lithium batteries spontaneously combusting. These incidents have played a significant role in bringing about the US department of transportation new safety standards.

The Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration developed the rules in close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. Voluntary compliance has been encouraged upon publication of the ruling but mandatory compliance is effective six months after publication.

PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman commented on the matter. He said, “Our continuing efforts with international standards improve consistency in procedures and terminology when transporting lithium batteries.”

Final Rule on Lithium Batteries

The department said its so-called “final rule” would have several desirable effects. Firstly, it would enhance packaging and hazard communication requirements for transporting lithium batteries by air and replace equivalent lithium content with Watt-hours. It was also adopt separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries. Another effect would be the revision of provisions for the transport of small and medium lithium cells and batteries including cells and batteries packed with, or contained in, equipment. Finally, revision of the requirements for the transport of lithium batteries for disposal or recycling. This would harmonize the provisions for the transport of low production and prototype lithium cells and batteries with the ICAO Technical Instructions and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. It would also help in the adoption of new provisions for the transport of damaged, defective, and recalled lithium batteries.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated the following. “Safety is our number one priority, this ruling provides an additional layer of protection to the transport of lithium batteries which we all depend on daily.” Today’s standards are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance safety for all travelers, including those carrying or shipping lithium batteries.

An excellent way to stay informed about freight legislative changes is by partnering with a freight forwarder like K&L Freight. This can help avoid costly mistakes and potentially save businesses thousands in having to make alterations to their supply chains.

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