Lithium Batteries

In 2009 new regulations were introduced for the transport of batteries or cells containing Lithium metal, Lithium -ion and Lithium Polymer. All products containing these batteries or cells with a Lithium content above specified thresholds are also covered by these regulations.

For air transport these are detailed in ICAO Technical Instruction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the 54th Edition (2013) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).  IATA have issued a Guidance Document which can be viewed here.

“The telephone number should be of a person knowledgeable about the shipment but is not intended to be for the purposes of obtaining immediate emergency response guidance, and is therefore not required to be monitored at all times that the package is in transit. It is acceptable for the number to be monitored during the company’s normal business hours in order to provide product-specific information relative to the shipment. However, it also is acceptable to use an emergency response, 24-hour phone number on the label.”

Here is an example of the IATA -specified Lithium Battery Handling Label:

Road/Rail Transport

Under ADR Chapter 3.3 Special Provision 188 , Lithium batteries may need to be classified as Class 9 hazardous goods. The requirements to comply are very stringent and include the provision for a telephone number to be displayed on the safety label where further information about the shipment can be obtained. If the manufacturer may not be conversant on the lithium batteries that are contained in their product, 24-7 Response can handle these calls on their behalf.