Lithium Battery Fire Risks
Lithium battery transportation has evolved into a challenging yet necessary practice with increasing regulations, due to the safety risks associated. Such potent power sources are critical components utilized in operating various everyday devices such as smartphones as well as larger equipment like cars. However, without appropriate storage or transport batteries can pose considerable fire risks resulting in strict regulations surrounding shipping procedures.
As the demand for Lithium-ion technology continues its surge, within energy consumption systems worldwide, becoming aware of impactful ways of sustainably recycling these products is key for stakeholders involved within this sector. The following article serves as an introductory resource for understanding the essential basics of safe and effective lithium battery transportation.
Watt Hour Regulations
Lithium batteries fall into two clear-cut categories: those with preset regulations and those without.
Batteries having a watt hour rating of over 100Wh yet less than 300Wh (such as those powering power tools or drones) can be sent non-fully regulated through ground transportation given that all appropriate labels are attached in accordance with the U.S Code for Federal Regulations (CFR), title 49 and part 173.185.
Additionally, Lithium batteries below the hundred watt-hour threshold, or the size of laptop batteries, which have not been broken, faulty or recalled may undergo shipment via ocean or ground transportation without being classified as fully regulated items.
Directives concerning the transportation industry fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation and are referred to as 49 CFR (49 CFR).
In the United States, directives are set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the umbrella of 49 CFR.
Any batteries with watt hour ratings exceeding 300Wh or those that are damaged, defective or under recall, fall under “fully regulated class 9 shipments,” requiring adherence to all applicable title 49 CFR regulations. These umbrella proper packaging and labeling protocols, staff training on required shipping procedures and documentation standards in addition to specific shipping methods.
49 CFR Training
49 CFR-certified training is an essential requirement for any individual involved in the shipment of hazardous materials from a commercial setting. With a focus on both basic and more advanced concepts, this instruction covers everything from filling out documents such as bills of lading, to loading freight.
Conveniently, a range of interactive online courses are available to provide comprehensive instruction on hazmat employee standards.
Shipping Defective Items
Along with appropriate training, it is essential to adhere to all packaging regulations when shipping a damaged, defective, or recalled lithium battery. Here are a few of the guidelines that should be followed:
- Individual non-metallic inner packaging must be used to contain and protect every cell or battery. This packaging should completely enclose the cell or battery, providing a secure covering.
- To ensure safety and security, all inner packaging must be securely surrounded by material that is not flammable, does not conduct electricity, and has excellent absorption.
- Inner containers must be encased inside an exterior package of either metal, plastic or wood, depending on the particular requirements. This is a necessary step to ensure that all items are securely packed for transit.
Shipping batteries comes with several requirements that should not be overlooked, this list is far from exhaustive. Taking into account elements such as state-of-charge levels, weight restrictions for packages; shipment destinations; single-cell versus multi-cell considerations are important when preparing for safe transportation practices for these possibly explosive products. Aside from complying with CFR protocol guidance, and documents applicable, anyone handling these types of goods in transit must also follow all related mandates imposed by the EPA.
To conform fully within regulatory requirements, one must ascertain that certain items are labeled as “environmental waste” when dispatching batteries to recycling plants, or applying hazardous material labels for shipments.
Finally, before initiating any transport of dangerous goods, it is crucial to conduct due diligence and confirm that the chosen carrier will accept the shipment. Even when all applicable regulations for training, paperwork, and packaging have been met, carriers still reserve the right to refuse a package. Therefore, it is paramount to check with the carrier beforehand to ensure they are willing to accept the items.
Best Practices, Explained
Sending batteries for proper disposal can be a daunting task, but there are ways to make it easier. By following these tips the shipping process can be simplified.
First and foremost, proper training on the intricacies related to shipping regulations is required. For those involved in fully regulated shipping, investing in quality and effective forms of instruction is key. One of the most powerful tools is interactive and 3D training. Although online learning has been accessible for some time, it can provide employees with an easy way to comprehend complex compliance and shipping laws more efficiently.
It is also necessary to establish a process for your team that considers the inspection of each battery. While it is important to adhere to shipping laws, one must also be aware that this does not always guarantee 100% safety.
Hence, it can be beneficial to exceed requirements and take extra precautions to go beyond what is expected. For example, even with following all guidelines for shipping a damaged lithium battery, the shipper may still be held accountable in the instance of a thermal event during transit.
Special Permit Packaging
Another way to ensure safety is by using special permit packaging for shipping damaged or defective batteries. This type of packaging does not necessitate 49 CFR training, and provides a straightforward and simple to use process.
However, before accepting one of these packages, it is important to ask a few questions:
- What was tested?
- How many watt hours were used in the testing?
- What was the state of charge during the testing process?
- Is there any video footage available for review?
The effectiveness of special permit packaging can vary greatly depending on what type of product is being shipped. What works for a 20W flashlight won’t necessarily work for a 50W laptop or 100W battery. Consequently, it is vital to gain an understanding of how the packaging has been tested and to exercise caution.
When shipping lithium batteries, it is wise to invest in next-generation packaging. These modern solutions are designed with safety in mind and provide a thermal barrier that helps contain the risk of fires without resorting to gel packs, heavy liners, or fillers. This makes shipping these items more secure, efficient, and cost-effective.
Furthermore, there are specialized packages available that make it possible to send mixed loads of used lithium-ion, lithium metals, and non-spillable batteries by ground or sea vessel for disposal or recycling.
Ultimately, when returning a used battery or device, never use the same box that it came in. This type of packaging is not designed for used batteries and will not contain the appropriate protection. It’s always best to be proactive and use the right kind of return packaging from the start. That way, the shipper can be sure the item will arrive safely at its destination.
Looking Forward
Relevant research findings have suggested that there will be noteworthy expansion within the battery-recycling business shortly ahead. The forecast predicts exceptional progress with estimation reaching up to$23.2 billion by 2035 as compared with its present status at $17.2 billion.
A vast majority of this growth is predicted to arise from the North American marketplace’s lithium-ion battery recycling industry. This sector is believed to progress from a former figure of $35.9 million back in 2019 to an anticipated amount of $139.6 million by the year 2027.
It appears that consumer electronics sales, stringent government regulations bound by rules and guidelines, environmental fears over depleting valuable metals and rare earth metals stockpiles, together with an increasing need for recycled batteries are all influential factors in this sector.
With the battery recycling field continuing its upwards trajectory, keeping up-to-date on shipping regulations is crucial. This rings particularly true when handling lithium batteries, guidelines for which are frequently changing, and must be closely monitored for precision. Relying on methods from even just two years ago runs the risk of being outmoded in today’s fast-paced environment.
To avoid threats to supply chain security and comply fully with evolving regulations, working alongside knowledgeable professionals is highly beneficial. Industry leaders bring extensive experience with regulatory shifts, and their professional guidance offers invaluable insight into meeting all necessary guidelines.
