Online Safety Training for Shipping Lithium Ion and Metal Cells and Batteries

We’ve all heard of lithium batteries. We use them when we operate our mobile phones, Apple devices, and laptops. Doctors and nurses use lithium batteries when they operate wireless medical tools and equipment, and construction workers use a range of cordless power tools. Lithium batteries are also used in smartwatches and motor vehicles. 

The rising dependency on lithium batteries resulting in a highly growing demand for lithium batteries in our everyday lives poses a few thought-provoking questions. Are lithium batteries dangerous or harmful? Can lithium batteries catch fire or explode? Are there other risks posed by using lithium batteries? Should people who manufacture, handle, and transport lithium batteries practice any safety measures?

The simple answer is YES to all the above questions. Lithium batteries have a higher energy density and flammable electrolytes in smaller packages, Hence, if not handled properly or damaged, they can short circuit, release heat, or cause fires. 

However, the undisputed fact that we use lithium batteries every day and most of us have not faced any accidents or problems, is a testament that when handled appropriately, lithium batteries are as risky as any other electrical or electronic item we use that is powered by other types of batteries.

This does not mean that you can be careless. The careful use of lithium batteries is always advocated. Let’s watch the below video to better understand the dangers of lithium battery usage in our everyday lives, and what we can do to ensure we protect ourselves.

People Shipping Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries and Cells

For those in the business of shipping lithium batteries, ensuring their employees are protected against the hazards of explosions and fires that could result from damaged and incorrectly handled lithium cells and batteries, requires appropriate training. This is where the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code come into play. These regulations and codes advocate those individuals involved in any aspect of shipping lithium batteries by highway, rail, air, or vessel to be given appropriate training by employers to ensure safety and health as well as compliance with regulations. 

In addition, workers involved in the design, manufacture, inspection, maintenance, reconditioning, repair, or test packages, containers, or packaging components that are used for the transportation of lithium batteries must also receive safety training related to shipping lithium batteries. Furthermore, personnel undertaking tasks such as marking, labeling, or packaging that indicate lithium batteries are present in a package being transported in commerce must also have appropriate knowledge of the best practices and rules and regulations related to shipping lithium batteries. Compliance officers who certify that all applicable requirements of the HMR, IMO, and ICAO are being met, and persons responsible for the safety of hazardous materials during transportation are also required to be given safety training related to shipping stand-alone, packed with, or contained in equipment lithium batteries and cells.