TRANSPORTATION OF CLASS 9 LITHIUM BATTERIES
The use of lithium batteries is growing at an extraordinary rate – thanks to their light weight, performance, and relatively low cost.
But transporting batteries, Lithium Ion (rechargeable) and Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) can be a very dangerous business, there have been some well publicised accidents that involved Lithium batteries including UPS Flight 6 that was carrying a pallet containing more than 81,000 lithium batteries and other combustible materials. One of the batteries is believed to have short circuited and caught fire filling the plane with smoke which ultimately resulted in bringing the plane down.
The Felicity Ace set sail from Germany to the USA on 10 February 2022, carrying 3,965 Volkswagen Group cars, including Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley models. Among the cars onboard were Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi e-tron electric cars. The ship caught fire, and this has been blamed on a battery in one of the cars. The ship burned for around a week and ultimately sank on the 1st March 2022. Estimates put the losses to be between 334 and 401 million USD.
Batteries are now very popular as they are used to power a host of mobile electronic equipment. New UN numbers were introduced for Lithium Ion (rechargeable) and Lithium Metal (non-rechargeable) batteries and stringent conditions are now in force, even where special provisions applied. Some of the batteries we carry through the Hazchem Network are –
UN 3090 — lithium metal batteries
UN 3091 — lithium metal batteries contained in equipment, or lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
UN 3480 — lithium-ion batteries
UN 3481 — lithium ion batteries contained in equipment, or lithium ion batteries packed with equipment
UN 3536 — lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment, or lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment
Where can I find lithium batteries?
Rechargeable lithium batteries are now found in most of the devices you use daily, the device you are reading this on may even be powered by one.
They can be found amongst others:
Smartphones / mobile phones
Laptops & tablets
Smart watches
E-Bikes
Cameras
Power tools
Children’s toys
Electric & hybrid vehicles
Medical devices/Defibrillators
Drones
How do I safely package lithium batteries for transport?
As Lithium batteries are inherently unstable the major risk associated with them is a short-circuit because of the terminals coming in contact with other batteries, metal objects or conductive surfaces, which is especially high-risk during transport
- Packaged batteries or cells must be separated in a way to prevent short circuits and damage to terminals.
- They must be packed in a strong rigid outer packaging unless when contained in equipment, the battery is afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which it is contained.
- For batteries contained in equipment, the packing must provide protection against accidental operation during transportation
Are they all classed as ADR/hazardous by UK road?
In most cases yes so, they must be transported under ADR regulations. There are some exemptions to this depending on the WH (Watt hour) and the lithium content of the battery, but a qualified DGSA will need to be consulted before shipping.
Can I ship damaged / defective lithium batteries via the network?
No, we do not take damaged / defective (waste) lithium batteries through the network.
As the UK’s ONLY ADR pallet and parcel network we can help and support your business in the distribution of these items or any other items that fall under the carriage of dangerous goods (ADR) – please contact our Network Development Manager Laura Brown on 01455 856004 or email laura@hazmail.co.uk
