Search

Lithium Battery Shipper to Pay $1.1M for Alleged Hazmat Violations

Posted on 12/11/2017 by Roger Marks

Lithium_Ion_Battery_1.jpgFor allegedly shipping 24-volt lithium-ion batteries that did not conform to UN test standards or US Hazardous Materials Regulations requirements, a Florida lithium battery manufacturer now faces a $1,100,000 fine from US FAA.

According to FAA’s press release, one of the batteries caught fire and destroyed a FedEx truck during ground transportation—after being unloaded from an airplane.

After being informed by US FAA that lithium batteries offered for transport must meet UN testing standards per domestic and international standards, the company allegedly continued shipping for weeks.

FAA claims this is the largest ever civil penalty issued for hazardous materials violations relating to lithium batteries shipped by air.


Why Are Lithium Batteries Hazmat?

Watch the video below to find out how lithium batteries become a safety hazard. 

 


The unique hazards posed by lithium batteries—in transportation, in the workplace, and in the home—are well documented. In November this year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued recalls of 7 brands of lithium-battery powered “hoverboards” due to the possibility of smoke, fire, and explosion hazards.

In September, an employee at a medical device company carried 142 lithium-metal batteries in his checked luggage, prompting a $50,000 hazmat civil penalty for his employer. This FAA hazmat penalty underscores the importance of hazmat awareness—even among employees who work outside the warehouse or shipping facility.

Read more lithium battery hazmat news here.


Shipping Lithium Batteries—Online or Live in North Jersey!

Full hazmat training to ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel is now available as both an online course and an exclusive classroom workshop at Lion’s New Jersey Training Center. Meet US DOT, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code DG training requirements and build the knowledge and skills to keep your shipments in compliance.



Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course

Train online anytime and benefit from exercises and interactive learning tools that help you retain what you learn. Build in-depth expertise on how to class, package, mark, label, loading, unload, and document lithium battery ground, air, and vessel shipments. Plus, get free lithium battery safety training at Lion.com when you enroll now!



Shipping Lithium Batteries Workshop—February 8

Join us at the NJ Training Center for this exclusive lithium battery hazmat training! On February 8, learn the latest rules for offering lithium batteries for ground, air, or vessel transport. Satisfy relevant training mandates for highway, air, and ocean shipping. [49 CFR 172.704, IATA DGR 1.5, and IMDG Code 1.3.1]
 

Tags: DOT, FAA, fines and penalties, hazmat shipping, lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

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

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

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.