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

Posted on 12/11/2017 by Roger Marks

For 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

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S 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

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

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

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

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

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Download

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.