Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
Search

Air Carriers Want More Action on Lithium Battery Safety

Posted on 6/29/2022 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

In a recent press release, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) renewed its call for governments to increase enforcement of lithium battery transportation regulations.

Citing 30% annual growth of the lithium battery market bringing many new shippers into the supply chain, IATA has concerns about mis-declared and undeclared lithium battery shipments offered into the cycle of transportation.

IATA calls for “stiffer penalties for rogue shippers” and criminal enforcement related to willful violations of hazardous materials safety requirements. The organization notes actions that have been taken in recent years, including changes to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for lithium battery air shipments that took effect on April 1, 2022. 

To further improve lithium battery transportation safety, IATA would like governments to:
  • Develop safety-related screening standards and processes for lithium batteries that increase efficiency for compliant shippers;
  • Develop and implement fire-testing standard that addresses lithium battery fire containment; and
  • Enhance data collection and sharing between governments.
 
"Safety data is critical to understanding and managing lithium battery risks effectively. Without sufficient relevant data there is little ability to understand the effectiveness of any measures. Better information sharing and coordination on lithium battery incidents among governments and with the industry is essential to help managing lithium battery risks effectively.”

IATA Press Release

The press release coincided with IATA’s 78th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, held in Qatar on June 19—21.

Lithium Battery Transportation Incidents

Incidents involving lithium batteries and battery-powered devices aboard aircraft are one of many “serious incident” types for which US DOT requires immediate reporting to the National Response Center (49 CFR 171.15(b)(6)). A follow-up written report is also required on DOT Form 5800.1.  

Air Carriers Want More Action on Lithium Battery Safety

Hazmat incident report data available to the public indicates that, in 2021, DOT received about one hundred and fifty reports involving lithium batteries transported by air. This includes batteries packaged alone, with equipment, and in equipment.

While many of these incidents involved batteries and devices carried aboard the plane by passengers, many others were the result of shippers offering undeclared or mis-declared lithium batteries for transportation as cargo.
 
“Stronger enforcement of existing regulations and the criminalization of abuses will send a strong signal to rogue shippers.”

Willie Walsh, Director General (IATA)


US FAA maintains a chart of lithium battery events with smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion. Since January of 2006, FAA has recorded 373 aviation incidents involving lithium batteries carried as cargo or baggage. FAA updated the chart most recently on June 1, 2022.

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 August 25, 2022.  

Tags: hazmat shipping, hazmat training, IATA DGR, lithium batteries, lithium batteries by air, lithium battery training

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

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

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

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

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore the four specific 29 CFR Standards that OSHA inspectors overwhelmingly cite employers for when investigating COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.

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.