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

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

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

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

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

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.