07/29/2020
Three recent aircraft fires have raised concerns for regulators and workers alike on the safety of lithium batteries. These incidents underscore the prevalence of lithium battery malfunctions as aviation regulators continue debating how to prevent further harm to customers, airline employees, and cargo.
02/03/2020
A household name for shipping services was issued a $120,000 civil penalty by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations. FAA alleges that the shipping company knowingly offered a shipment containing improperly packaged lithium batteries for transportation by air on Nov. 15, 2018.
01/28/2020
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently released its 2020 Lithium Battery Guidance Document for shippers who offer lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries for air transport.
11/12/2019
In a recent letter of interpretation, PHMSA answers the question: "Does the 49 CFR exception for materials of trade apply to lithium batteries?"
10/11/2019
Although the lithium-ion battery is just about 30 years old, it has “created the right conditions for a wireless and fossil fuel-free society, and so brought the greatest benefit to humankind,” according to the Nobel committee. For these reasons, the 2019 Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to the creators of the lithium-ion battery.
09/17/2019
Any business that sells lithium battery powered equipment should be ready for the possibility that customers may return devices with damaged batteries or bring back their recalled items for a replacement.
09/16/2019
Two weeks after a boat fire that killed 34 people and sank the vessel, questions are circulating about whether a phone charging station below deck may have been the source of the blaze.
08/26/2019
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned some 15-inch MacBook Pros from US flights due to concerns over faulty lithium batteries.
08/01/2019
A Sacramento-based glass recycler has reached a settlement with California regulators after a State investigation allegedly found the company illegally disposed of over 500,000 pounds of batteries.
07/22/2019
Starting January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (and equipment powered by lithium cells or batteries) must make available a lithium battery testing summary that provides critical safety information about their batteries to downstream shippers and consumers.
When EPA civil penalties rise, so does the value of environmental compliance.