Shipping Lithium Batteries Training

Lithium batteries and cells are regulated as hazardous materials/dangerous goods in the US and internationally.

In the United States, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires training for all employees who can affect the safety of hazardous materials—including lithium batteries—in transportation.

For ground shippers, re-training is required every 3 years. (49 CFR 172.704).
For air shippers, re-training is required every 24 months. (IATA DGR 1.5)

Common job responsibilities that require hazmat training for employees include:

The regulations refer to these individuals as "hazmat employees.

See a more detailed definition of "hazmat employee" on the Hazmat FAQ page, or see 49 CFR 171.8.

Training must be provided within 90 days of the employee's hire date (or job assignment) and must cover specific elements outlined in our Hazmat Training FAQ.

The most common hazard associated with lithium batteries is fire. This is often caused by internal short circuits but can also be traced to other sources. A fire could be the result of a poorly manufactured battery, but it could also come from any type of mechanical damage (such as dropping or crushing a battery). When a battery is faulty, it can lead to a hazard cycle known as “thermal runaway.”

More videos at YouTube.com/LionTraining.

Lion's Shipping Lithium Batteries training guides shippers through what they need to know to ship lithium batteries by ground, air, and vessel.

The course helps shippers to navigate and apply the current 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air shipments, and the latest IMDG Code standards for vessel shipments.