DOT Names Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee

US DOT has announced a new safety committee to provide advice and recommendations to improve the safe air transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries. The Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee will provide DOT with a forum to discuss lithium battery air safety, collect information on new lithium battery technologies, and receive stakeholder input on future lithium battery transportation regulations.

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The Committee, formed in accordance with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, will meet at least twice per year, in advance of meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and related panels or working groups. Per its charter, the Committee will operate until May 2025.

 The purposes of the new lithium battery committee, according to DOT’s announcement, include:

• Facilitating communication amongst manufactures of lithium batteries and products containing lithium batteries, air carriers, and the Federal government.
• Discussing the effectiveness and the economic and social impacts of lithium battery transportation regulations.
• Providing the Secretary with information regarding new technologies and transportation safety practices.
• Providing a forum to discuss Departmental activities related to lithium battery transportation safety.
• Advising and recommending activities to improve the global enforcement of air transportation of lithium batteries, and the effectiveness of those regulations.
• Providing a forum for feedback on potential United States positions to be taken in international forums.
• Guiding activities to increase awareness of relevant requirements.
• Reviewing methods to decrease the risk posed by undeclared hazardous materials.

A roster and background information on the 20 individuals selected to serve on the committee is now available.

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Tags: hazmat training, lithium batteries, PHMSA, safety, shipping lithium batteries