Why Retailers Need Hazmat Training for the Holidays

According to the Consumer Technology Association, 170 million US adults will buy a “tech gift” this holiday season.*

Already, deals on cameras, smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital assistants, gaming devices, power tools and more are everywhere. While the popularity of these devices are a boon for retailers, many of this year's hottest gifts are powered by lithium batteries.

To ship lithium batteries—even lithium batteries packaged inside a device like a smartphone—shippers must follow exacting requirements laid out by hazmat regulators like the US DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

For air shippers, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations requirements are even more stringent.
To get the hottest gadgets and devices to customers after Black Friday—and return these items to vendors after the season ends—shippers must comply with the latest lithium battery quantity limits, size limits, limits on state-of-charge, packaging requirements, marking and labeling rules, and standards for hazmat employee training.







Seasonal and temporary employees may be responsible for a high volume of shipments during the holidays, which means more chances for lithium battery shipping mistakes. Noncompliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) can lead to fires and explosions in transit, injuries, emergency landings, lost product, future liability, and fines from US DOT now as high as $78k per day, per violation.

Find lithium battery training here and keep your high-tech shipments moving safely, in compliance, and on time this holiday season.

Lithium Batteries Are Just the Beginning

 
Lithium battery powered devices are just some of countless SKUs that require hazmat training for managers and shipping employees.

Paints and coatings, cleaning supplies, aerosol cans, cosmetics, personal care products, and high-proof alcohol might all be regulated hazmat products found on brick-and-mortar and digital retail shelves.

Even retail workers who ship only limited quantities of hazardous materials should complete training.

There are reliefs and exclusions for limited quantities that can save shippers time and money. Learn more about hazmat training for shipping limited quantities here.

Or check out comprehensive hazmat training to ship hazardous materials of any Class, in bulk or non-bulk packaging, by ground, air, or vessel at Lion.com/Hazmat.

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*“It’s Looking Like Another Hi-Tech Black Friday,” HDGURU.com  
 

Tags: hazmat, hazmat training, lithium batteries, retail, shipping