Search

New Lithium Battery Safety Advisory from PHMSA

Posted on 5/23/2022 by Roger Marks

US DOT PHMSA released a Safety Advisory Notice on May 17, 2022 to raise awareness about the hazards of lithium batteries transported for recycling or disposal.

During recent inspections of shipper facilities, PHMSA hazardous materials agents "routinely" noticed shippers improperly packaging and shipping lithium batteries. Lithium battery-related regulatory violations noted by inspectors include:
  • Failure to protect batteries/cells against short-circuit in transportation,
  • Packaging damaged lithium batteries with other batteries in the same package, and
  • Improper markings and labels on boxes and drums containing lithium batteries.
PHMSA’s twelve-page notice outlines the regulations that apply to shipments of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. The notice includes details about how to identify defective or damaged batteries or cells; how to package, mark, and label lithium batteries for transportation, and requirements for including emergency response information with the shipment.

The Safety Advisory also reminds shippers about the US DOT training mandates for “hazmat employees.” All employees who can affect the safety of hazardous materials in transportation (including lithium batteries) must be trained within 90 days of hire date or job assignment. Recurrent training for hazmat employees must be provided at least every 3 years (49 CFR 172.704). 

For more details about who needs training to ship hazardous materials, see Lion's Hazmat Training FAQ

Read the Safety Advisory Notice (PHMSA.DOT.gov) 

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 June 28, 2022.  
 

Tags: hazardous materials shipping, lithium batteries, Lithium battery safety, lithium battery transportation, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

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

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Tips to identify and manage universal waste under more-stringent state regulations for generators and universal waste handlers in California.

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.