Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. However, these batteries pose serious transportation risks if they are damaged, defective, or recalled (DDR), reports an article in Workplace Material Handling & Safety magazine, authored by Steve Sowa, Senior Director of Sales at Berlin Packaging and Mike Thompson, Senior Packaging Consultant at Dangerous Goods, a division of Berlin Packaging.
Regulations, including those from the UN and the U.S. DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), set strict packaging and handling rules. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) prohibits air transport of DDR batteries altogether, underscoring their danger.
Improper shipping of DDR lithium batteries can trigger thermal runaway, leading to fires, explosions, and toxic gas emissions. The root cause of battery failures often lies in extreme temperatures, mechanical damage, electrical issues like short-circuiting or overcharging, or simple aging. A DDR battery might show telltale signs of damage, including swelling, discoloration, leaks, or a strange odor. Shipping such compromised batteries without precautionary measures increases the risk of catastrophe.
Shippers must take extra steps when handling DDR lithium batteries to mitigate the dangers. PHMSA guidelines mandate the placement of each battery in a non-metallic inner package, cushioned with non-combustible, electrically non-conductive material, and enclosed in UN-certified packaging. Clear labeling is also required to indicate hazardous contents. Shipping solutions like BUNCKER offer a certified, user-friendly packaging system to safely transport, store, and ship multiple lithium batteries without inner packaging or loose absorbents.
With lithium battery use on the rise, safety regulations are more critical than ever. Proper inspections, compliance with shipping standards, and certified packaging can prevent hazardous incidents and protect people and the environment from these volatile power sources.nd aligns with global sustainability goals.