Search

Question of the Week: Exceptions for Lithium Batteries

Posted on 3/29/2011 by James Griffin

Q. I have been told that I cannot ship lithium batteries as limited quantities, but can receive similar relief when following the special provisions found in the 171.101 Hazardous Materials Table. How do the two types of relief compare?

A. It is true that lithium batteries shipped under the DOT Hazardous Material Regulations cannot be shipped under the limited quantity exceptions. However, if properly classified and packaged, lithium batteries can receive as much or more relief from the regulations than limited quantity shipments. Unlike the limited quantities relief, which is found in the packing authorizations in column 8A of the 172.101 table, the relief for lithium batteries can be found as part of the special provisions listed in column 7.

When shipping hazardous materials as limited quantities, you get the following reliefs:
  • Hazard labels are not required, except for air shipments
  • Shipping papers and emergency response information are not required, except for hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, or if transported by aircraft or vessel
  • Placards are not required
  • Specification packaging is not required, but
    • packagings must still meet general requirements (49 CFR 173 Subpart B), and
    • specific weight limitations apply (49 CFR 173.150-173.156)
Small and medium lithium batteries can receive relief from nearly all the Hazardous Material Regulations when following the special provisions in 49 CFR 172.102 (SP 29, 188, 189, and 190), additional restrictions and reliefs apply when shipping by air (A54, A55, A100, A101, A103, or A104).

The restrictions and procedures necessary to follow, however, can be more extensive, and may include:
  • Being of a type proven to meet the testing requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria
  • Meeting unique size restrictions for lithium primary vs. secondary lithium batteries
  • Packaging cells or batteries to prevent short circuits
  • Using strong outer packagings
  • Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries are largely prohibited for transport by air
Want to learn more about Lithium Battery shipping rules? Prepare yourself with Lion’s lithium battery shipper webinar or online course.

Tags: DOT, hazmat shipping, limited quantities, lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

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

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

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

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

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

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

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.