Picture this: you’re at the airport, heading out on a long-awaited vacation. You’ve arrived early, checked in your luggage, and now you’re enjoying a cup of coffee and checking your phone. Suddenly, you hear an announcement over the loudspeaker: “Attention all passengers, please be advised that lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. Please remove any lithium batteries from your checked luggage and carry them in your carry-on baggage.” If you’re like most people, you might not know what a lithium battery is or why it’s important to handle them properly. But the truth is, lithium batteries can be extremely dangerous if not handled correctly. That’s why there are specific guidelines for packing and shipping them. In fact, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed guidelines specifically for lithium battery handling and shipping. One of the most important things to know about lithium batteries is that they can be volatile. They can overheat, catch fire, and even explode. That’s why it’s important to handle them with care, especially when shipping or transporting them. So what should you know about lithium battery handling and shipping? First of all, it’s important to understand that there are two types of lithium batteries: lithium-ion and lithium-metal. Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used and are found in everything from cell phones to laptops to electric cars. Lithium-metal batteries are less common and are mainly used in medical devices and military applications. No matter what type of lithium battery you’re dealing with, there are specific guidelines for handling and shipping them. For example, lithium batteries should not be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. They should also be stored in a cool, dry place and never be short-circuited. When it comes to shipping lithium batteries, there are specific requirements that must be followed. For example, lithium batteries cannot be shipped as stand-alone items. They must be shipped with the device they’re intended to power. Additionally, lithium batteries must be packed in such a way that they’re protected from damage and cannot move around during transport. Perhaps the most important aspect of lithium battery handling and shipping is labeling. All packages containing lithium batteries must be labeled in accordance with IATA guidelines. This includes a label indicating that the package contains lithium batteries, as well as the proper shipping name and UN number. To give you an idea of what a properly labeled package containing lithium batteries looks like, take a look at the image below:
UN3481 Lithium Battery Handling Mark (Standard size)
This label indicates that the package contains lithium batteries and includes the proper UN number (UN3481). This label is required for all packages containing lithium batteries.
It’s worth noting that proper labeling is not only important for safety reasons; it’s also required by law. Failure to properly label a package containing lithium batteries can result in fines and penalties. So what can you do to ensure that you’re handling and shipping lithium batteries properly? Here are a few tips: - Familiarize yourself with the IATA guidelines for lithium battery handling and shipping. These guidelines are available on the IATA website and provide detailed information on how to properly pack, label, and ship lithium batteries. - Use the proper packaging materials. When shipping lithium batteries, it’s important to use packaging materials that are designed to protect the batteries from damage and prevent them from moving around during transport. - Label all packages containing lithium batteries. This includes both the proper shipping name and UN number, as well as an indication that the package contains lithium batteries. - Never ship damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries. These batteries can be extremely dangerous and should be disposed of properly. - When in doubt, consult a professional. If you’re unsure about how to properly handle and ship lithium batteries, it’s always best to consult with a professional who has experience in this area. In conclusion, lithium battery handling and shipping is not something to take lightly. Proper handling and labeling of lithium batteries is essential for ensuring that they’re transported safely and without incident. By following the guidelines set forth by the IATA and taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure that you’re doing your part to keep everyone safe.
