Search

After Fire, Coast Guard Holds 48 Containers for Inspection

Posted on 3/25/2022 by Roger Marks and Roseanne Bottone

Following an isolated hazardous materials incident involving lithium-ion batteries that were mis-declared, improperly packaged, and not labeled correctly, the US Coast Guard placed a hold on all cargo containers connected to a specific shipping company this month in the Port of Los Angeles.

In early March, firefighters responded to a container fire in the area. Information on the bill of lading led them to believe that the container involved was packed with synthetic resins. Instead, they discovered lithium-ion batteries at the center of the blaze.  

The Coast Guard then held the movement of forty-eight containers and searched for additional hazardous materials in cooperation with the shipping company, PHMSA, and US customs officials.
 
 “Undeclared hazardous materials pose a severe risk to the safety of cargo vessels, the ports, and first responders… the Coast Guard is dedicated to working with all shippers to ensure hazardous materials are properly marked and packaged for safety transportation.”

Capt. Rebecca Ore
US Coast Guard

The Long Beach Press-Telegram has more details.

What Are “Undeclared” Hazardous Materials?

Hazardous materials shippers must communicate the hazard(s) of their products and wastes by using hazard labels, markings, placards, and accurate shipping papers.  

When shippers fail to meet these requirements, “undeclared” hazardous materials enter the cycle of transportation. Supply chain workers, freight brokers, and emergency responders will not know what’s in the package, and will probably believe that the cargo is non-hazardous.

This can lead to mishandling, serious safety issues, and a slowed response to fires and spills.

For all shippers, identifying products and substances that are subject to US and international hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulations is a crucial step to ensure shipments move safely, in compliance, and in a timely manner. 

Increased Hazmat Civil Penalties

The Coast Guard, along with US DOT, recently increased the civil penalties for shippers who violate of hazardous materials shipping and transportation standards—including failure to provide hazmat training for covered employees. The maximum civil penalty for a typical violation increased five thousand dollars to $89,678.

For violations that result in serious injury, death, or property damage, the maximum civil penalty is now more than $200,00 per day, per violation.

Keep Your Lithium Batteries Moving 

Lion's Shipping Lithium Batteries online course prepares employees to recognize and comply with the unique regulations for shipping lithium batteries by all modes of transportation—from classification and naming to markings, labels, shipping papers, and reliefs for small cells and batteries.

The course 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 (Learn more). 

Tags: dangerous goods, hazardous materials, hazmat vessel shipping, IMDG Code, lithium batteries, lithium battery

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

Latest Whitepaper

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.