Policy & Compliance
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Lithium-ion batteries – a threat to transport An in-depth understanding of the risks, packing requirements and transport limitations is required by all personnel dealing with lithium-ion batteries
A prominent issue is that smoke, being an initial visible sign of a developing fire, comprises potentially highly toxic vapours and fumes. Further, some of these are denser and some less dense than air, so the traditional rule of ‘go in low’ for firefighters does not apply. Awareness training Formal training for freight forwarders, transport and warehouse operators and all personnel within the supply chain is required by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, the IATA Dangerous Goods by Air Regulations and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). BIFA Members are urged to ensure that staff are aware of the commodities that may contain lithium-ion batteries and to check the relevant regulations before accepting a consignment for transportation.
As the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to increase to meet green-power requirements, the risk of incidents during transportation also increases. The risk of battery failure and potential for catastrophic fires is well-documented, particularly in the aviation sector, but not fully recognised by all transport operators and agents, particularly in other modes. Lithium-ion batteries may be transported within products or on their own, fully charged or only partially charged, new, used or at the end of their useful life, leading to a range of considerations for the transport operator that can only be fully assessed when accurate and timely information is received from the consignor. An in-depth understanding of the risks,
packing requirements and transport limitations is required by all personnel dealing with requests for the movement of these goods, in addition to those actually handling the goods during transportation, whether by air, road or sea, and whilst stored in warehouses. Fire risk and emergency response Many industry bodies have highlighted the intensity at which lithium batteries burn once ignited; typically burning at over 400°C with a sustained flame; such fires are challenging to extinguish and re-ignition is a real risk. Beyond the challenges of extinguishing a fire, particularly on board a ship (whether container or ro-ro), there are other concerns.
Further reading: Scan the QR code or visit www.ttclub.com/news- and-resources/news/tt- talk/2022/tt-talk- spotlighting-lithium-ion- risks/
December 2022
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