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Lithium batteries are everywhere. They are in our mobile phones and laptop computers; they power industrial equipment and mobility aids; they power temperature logging devices for our medicines and much more. But did you know that lithium batteries, this common-place power source, are also considered dangerous goods?
Because they meet the definition of a dangerous good in transport, there are Regulations to follow, even for passenger travel. The result of these Regulations is that many shippers of every day consumer products are unaware of the risks involved, not to mention the confusion for passengers travelling by air. Our members have asked us, through the Dangerous Goods Board and Dangerous Goods Training Task Force, to assist them in their ongoing safety awareness.
Multifaceted approach
The members of the dangerous goods board and users of the dangerous goods regulations had asked IATA for some guidance on lithium batteries. In response we developed, in conjunction with ICAO and member States, the lithium battery guidance document, now in its 3rd version.
In addition to this information, interested parties expressed a desire to have information targeted to specific workgroups.
- Warehouse personnel will benefit from an awareness poster, providing information to ensure employees are made aware of the items that may contain lithium batteries and the markings that may appear on packages.
- Shipper’s will benefit from a newly developed “Guidelines for Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air” booklet, which contains examples of properly completed packages and documentation along with a quick, on the job check sheet for Shipper’s of certain, smaller, lithium batteries.
- Finally airline passengers will benefit from a two-page CD wallet sized pamphlet, which contains information on what limits exist for their consumer goods in their baggage (number of spares, limits on power in checked, carry-on and on one’s person).
With all this information available, we want to ensure that people with questions always get the right answer. The response to this approach has been favorable and we continue to reach a wider audience with regard to the Dangerous Goods Regulations and specifically the risks and requirements regarding lithium batteries.
More information on the transport of lithium batteries
