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 is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

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

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.