DOT to Form Lithium Battery Safety Advisory Committee

Posted on 5/20/2019 by Roger Marks

US DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced last week the formation of a new Lithium Battery Safety Advisory Committee. PHMSA is now seeking nominations for the committee, which will work to facilitate communication between lithium battery manufacturers/shippers and the Federal agencies that regulate those shipments.

The new safety committee will also provide a forum for PHMSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to explore new lithium battery technologies and safe shipping practices. PHMSA will consider members from a range of industries: lithium battery manufacturing; battery-powered consumer products, vehicles, and medical devices; cargo and passenger air service; and DOT employees.

Have someone in mind for a nomination? Read more about the process, and how to submit nominations, in the May 14 Federal Register.

2019 Lithium Battery Shipper Updates

Regulations for shipping lithium batteries have evolved drastically in the past few years. New marking and labeling requirements for both fully regulated and excepted lithium battery shipments took effect on January 1, 2019.

Need a quick refresher on lithium battery marking, labeling, and handling requirements? Join an expert Lion instructor for the function-specific Shipping Lithium Batteries Webinar on June 25 from 1 to 3 PM ET.

In March of this year, US DOT adopted updated provisions for air shipments that were added to the ICAO Technical Instructions (TI) and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) in 2016. The updated 49 CFR regulations took effect immediately on March 6, 2019.

In addition to the “harmonization” changes made, PHMSA also added a new requirement for marking/labeling excepted lithium batteries by all modes of transport in its March rulemaking (HM 224I).
And that’s just what’s happened so far this year!

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Confidently

Keep up with all the latest changes to lithium battery regulations and ensure your shipments will be accepted by any carrier. Lion’s popular Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course is updated regularly to reflect the most recent changes to lithium battery rules for ground (49 CFR), air (IATA DGR), and vessel (IMDG Code) shipments.

New! Ship excepted lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? We’ve got a course just for you! The new Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries Online Course will help you identify the requirements you must know, without getting bogged down or confused by rules for fully regulated lithium batteries.

Tags: DOT, FAA, hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, PHMSA

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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 workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

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

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.