Search

New Lithium Battery Safety Advisory from PHMSA

Posted on 5/23/2022 by Roger Marks

US DOT PHMSA released a Safety Advisory Notice on May 17, 2022 to raise awareness about the hazards of lithium batteries transported for recycling or disposal.

During recent inspections of shipper facilities, PHMSA hazardous materials agents "routinely" noticed shippers improperly packaging and shipping lithium batteries. Lithium battery-related regulatory violations noted by inspectors include:
  • Failure to protect batteries/cells against short-circuit in transportation,
  • Packaging damaged lithium batteries with other batteries in the same package, and
  • Improper markings and labels on boxes and drums containing lithium batteries.
PHMSA’s twelve-page notice outlines the regulations that apply to shipments of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. The notice includes details about how to identify defective or damaged batteries or cells; how to package, mark, and label lithium batteries for transportation, and requirements for including emergency response information with the shipment.

The Safety Advisory also reminds shippers about the US DOT training mandates for “hazmat employees.” All employees who can affect the safety of hazardous materials in transportation (including lithium batteries) must be trained within 90 days of hire date or job assignment. Recurrent training for hazmat employees must be provided at least every 3 years (49 CFR 172.704). 

For more details about who needs training to ship hazardous materials, see Lion's Hazmat Training FAQ

Read the Safety Advisory Notice (PHMSA.DOT.gov) 

Shipping Lithium Batteries Training

The Shipping Lithium Batteries online course provides required hazardous materials/dangerous goods training for managers and employees who ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or ocean.

The course covers the latest 49 CFR (US DOT), IATA DGR, and IMDG Code regulations that shippers must know to ship lithium-ion and -metal batteries and cells in-equipment, with-equipment, or by themselves. The course also covers additional requirements for damaged, defective, and recalled lithium batteries and cells.

Train at your own pace or join us for the next live, instructor-led webinar on June 28, 2022.  
 

Tags: hazardous materials shipping, lithium batteries, Lithium battery safety, lithium battery transportation, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

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

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

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.