Updated Lithium Battery Incident Chart from US FAA
US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released an updated chart of recorded “thermal incidents” involving lithium batteries in air transportation.
The chart lists “events with smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion involving lithium batteries” reported by air carriers. FAA has recorded 357 incidents since the agency started keeping track in 2006.
Of the eight incidents recorded between January 1 and April 1, 2022, only one involved cargo.
On January 3, a box containing lithium batteries and/or battery packs ignited at a cargo sorting facility. The other seven recorded incidents involved batteries in devices carried on board by passengers or crew—namely laptops, cell phones, e-cigarettes, and a portable power bank.
The chart is not meant to be a complete list of every incident that occurred—only those that FAA is aware of.
Lithium Battery Incident Chart (FAA.gov)
For details about when to file a hazardous materials incident report, check out this LIon News feature: Lessons from 3 Real Hazmat Incident Reports
The change, included in the 2022 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), impacts shipments of UN 3480 and 3090 by air. When shipped by themselves, by air, lithium cells and batteries must be prepared according to Section IA or IB of the appropriate IATA DGR Packing Instruction (i.e., 965 or 968).
[Video] Revised Lithium Air Regs in Effect April 1
The four-hour webinar provides hazmat general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training to help satisfy US DOT (49 CFR), IATA DGR, and IMDG Code training mandates for logistics leaders and hazmat employees involved in shipping lithium batteries by all modes of transportation (Learn more).
The chart lists “events with smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion involving lithium batteries” reported by air carriers. FAA has recorded 357 incidents since the agency started keeping track in 2006.
Of the eight incidents recorded between January 1 and April 1, 2022, only one involved cargo.
On January 3, a box containing lithium batteries and/or battery packs ignited at a cargo sorting facility. The other seven recorded incidents involved batteries in devices carried on board by passengers or crew—namely laptops, cell phones, e-cigarettes, and a portable power bank.
The chart is not meant to be a complete list of every incident that occurred—only those that FAA is aware of.
Lithium Battery Incident Chart (FAA.gov)
For details about when to file a hazardous materials incident report, check out this LIon News feature: Lessons from 3 Real Hazmat Incident Reports
Updated IATA DGR Regulations in Effect as of 4/1
Stricter requirements for shipping lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells and batteries separately by air took effect on April 1.The change, included in the 2022 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), impacts shipments of UN 3480 and 3090 by air. When shipped by themselves, by air, lithium cells and batteries must be prepared according to Section IA or IB of the appropriate IATA DGR Packing Instruction (i.e., 965 or 968).
[Video] Revised Lithium Air Regs in Effect April 1
Virtual Training to Ship Lithium Batteries
The next Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar will be presented on June 28, 2022 at 1 PM ET.The four-hour webinar provides hazmat general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training to help satisfy US DOT (49 CFR), IATA DGR, and IMDG Code training mandates for logistics leaders and hazmat employees involved in shipping lithium batteries by all modes of transportation (Learn more).
Tags: hazardous materials, hazardous materials incidents, hazmat shipping, lithium batteries
Find a Post
Recent Posts
Compliance Archives
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.
By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.