Policy & Compliance
The inherent risk in handling lithium-ion batteries during transport by sea, land or indeed by air is well documented. Moreover, demand for their use is growing exponentially as nations grapple with pathways to net zero objectives. Here TT Club’s MD Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood, highlights the nature of the risks in transporting them and argues that their current IMDG Code Class 9 categorisation is totally unsuitable to safeguard against such risks Lithium-ion batteries: The case for re-classi fi cation
minimise the risks and, if necessary, make sure there is an effective response to any catastrophic event. As with many successful technologies, market demand has outpaced the development of safety regulations. Since the mid- 1980s, lithium batteries have been classified under dangerous goods regulations for transport based on the weight of lithium contained in the cells or battery. As the technology has advanced, the amount of energy derived from the active material has increased by up to 50%, while the weight of cells has reduced greatly. Given their nature and use, newly manufactured lithium-ion batteries can be transported by themselves as individual items, packaged with products (ie replaceable) or within products (not intended to be removed). In addition, consideration should be given to reverse logistics, including used, damaged and faulty products being returned, batteries being shipped as waste and those being shipped to be recycled. In all instances, the state of charge of any battery is a relevant factor; less stored energy generally equates to less risk. Currently lithium-ion batteries are classified as one of four UN numbers, depending on power output or the weight of lithium in them and whether they are contained within devices or shipped separately. • UN 3090, Lithium metal batteries (shipped by themselves); • UN 3480, Lithium-ion batteries (shipped by themselves); • UN 3091, Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment; • UN 3481, Lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment. IMDG Code All four are Class 9 in the IMDG Code – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles. This classification dates from a change in IMDG Class from 4.3 (substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases) decades ago when the predominant available product was button cells, which were significantly less powerful than those today. At that time experts
L ithium batteries are today used to power a variety of products, including hand-held devices (such as phones or cameras) through to larger items such as power tools and electric vehicles of all types. The market has expanded rapidly over the last two decades due to developments in electronics and now broader energy transition globally. Understanding the risks in transporting them is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries have become a preferred energy source given their high-power density and light weight, as well as their ability to recharge and, in the case of vehicles, their apparent environmental credentials over fossil fuels. Inevitably, these batteries are moved by all modes of transport. Serious incidents However, following serious incidents, regulatory restrictions regarding the carriage of lithium batteries by air have been implemented, resulting in greater use of surface modes. Coupled with a further number of recently recorded incidents, safety concerns around the transporting of lithium-ion batteries and their handling at ports rightly continue to grow among the maritime community. The hazard that a given lithium- ion battery presents is primarily related to the amount of contained reactive substances, including lithium and other reactive material. The sharp rise in demand has been
accompanied by supply of cheaper, poorer quality and untested batteries, including refurbished and even homemade power banks. E-commerce platforms have facilitated a global trade in these potentially lethal batteries, often circumventing global standards and regulations. The logistics industry needs to have a clear understanding of the dangers inherent in transporting these batteries which can include fire, explosions and toxic gas emissions. The release of toxic fumes may be the first alert, but fire with temperatures higher than 1,000° C can be reached in a matter of seconds and, as the mix of chemicals and metals ignites, devastation can ensue. There needs to be increased efforts to A range of garden power tools incorporating the type of lithium batteries that present risks during transportation
“ The sharp rise in demand has been accompanied by supply of cheaper, poorer quality and untested batteries, including refurbished and even homemade
power banks
18 | August 2023
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