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

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

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

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.