Transporting Lithium Batteries-Safety and Transportation

If you want to carry lithium batteries today, then you have to observe some regulations. Over the last two decades, cells have become extremely powerful. They are responsible for powering telephones, computers, and audio devices. 

It's because of such batteries that we have cordless tools, and motorized wheelchairs. Besides, most of our lives, we have come to depend on lithium batteries for a luxurious mobile lifestyle. The increase of such devices on the market has increased the demand for more production and transportation of lithium-ion batteries.

Because these batteries contain more power than ever, international organizations have put up some regulations. For instance, many local and international airlines have guidelines on how such devices will be transported using their airlines.

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Most countries, such as the US, regulates lithium-ion batteries under hazardous materials regulations. Such materials that are considered hazardous are the ones that can cause a reasonable risk to your health. Also, they can be dangerous when you transport them together with other properties.  

Transportation of lithium-ion batteries must conform to all HMR requirements, whether by air-water, rail, highway, or water. Lithium batteries' transportation is regulated because they present both electrical and chemical hazards. Such dangers can be an electrical shock, fire, and burns. 

These batteries can pose a considerable threat, primarily when not handled or packaged during transportation. Besides, they can also be dangerous when they are defective, overcharged, improperly packaged, or stored.  

Can you transport lithium batteries on a plane?

Yes, you can transport lithium batteries on a plane. However, uninstalled lithium metals or ion batteries must be under the carry-on baggage only. Such bags are checked on the planeside or at the gate to make sure that all terminals are protected from short circuits. Also, spare lithium batteries must be carried in the aircraft cabin and removed from the bag.

All spare batteries for things such as phones, cameras, laptops, or calculators must adhere to this regardless of whether chargeable or un-chargeable.  Most airlines limit a maximum of two spare batteries per person with an average of 160-watt hours.

Note that that size covers for all batteries, even the ones that have extended life like laptops and professional audio-visual equipment. Any batteries for further distribution or sales or vendor samples are not allowed. 

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In cases where manufacturers have recalled their batteries, then they cannot be allowed when packed on baggage or aboard aircraft. Besides also devices using lithium-ion batteries and have been recalled should not be packed in baggage or carried in aboard aircraft. Unless if they have been made safe for transportation by the manufacturer by replacement or repairing. The Federal Aviation Administration has formulated all these rules, and they must be followed.

All batteries that are installed on electronic devices such as phones, cameras, smartphones, laptops, and tablets are under 100-watt hours hence meets the requirements.   

 Is lithium battery a dangerous goods?

So many devices are fueled by lithium batteries today, hence the reason behind increased safety shipping. Lithium batteries are generally dangerous goods because they pose a threat of exploding. Besides, there are so many incidents that have been reported in the past involving such types of batteries. That is why they fall under the category of dangerous goods.

Numerous e-cigarettes fires such as when a person is holding it to their face or inside the pocket have been caused by lithium batteries. Besides, also, several house fires have been reported because of the use of similar products. Such kind of dangers is the ones that made Amazon suspend the sale of certain hoverboards.

Lithium batteries have also been responsible for emergency airplane landing before. For example, in most common cases, smoke is the one that suddenly begins to enter the cabin. The airplane fire suppression systems discharge, but it's not enough for putting off the lithium fire. That is the reason why the captain is forced to perform a quick emergency landing.

Lithium metal that is found on non-rechargeable li-ion batteries is highly combustible. They are small in size, but they deliver high power. Besides, they are best for use where re-charging is not feasible, for example, consumer electronics and toys.

Although the li-ion batteries are deemed dangerous, they are more light-weight, inexpensive, environmentally safer, and sturdy than the alternatives.  However, li-on batteries pose more risk for an explosion because they carry because they can generate vast amounts of power.  So it's hazardous to store high amounts of energy, whether it's in disposable or rechargeable batteries.

How do you transport lithium batteries?

There are a couple of strict rules regarding on how to transport lithium batteries. These set standards and regulations make the transportation of lithium batteries safer. Besides, these standards are set to ensure that the lives of people on a plane are safe.  

The failure of a lithium-ion battery can be brought in by overheating, internal cell failure, and overcharging. Furthermore, these batteries also pose a threat du manufacturing deficiencies and internal cell failure. Most of the incidents that have reported in the past occurred during charging.

You can transport lithium batteries, but first, you must adhere to the following standards and guidelines. The first regulation by the FAA is that you must not carry more than two spare li-ion batteries on the plane. Besides, you are only allowed to have them in the checked baggage or carry-on baggage. It helps the cabin crew to monitor them in case of a fire breakout easily.   

FAA clearly states that you should place the spare batteries in protective cases package or plastic bags. Alternatively, you can tape the contacts to avoid short-circuiting by the terminals. Battery-powered devices in the baggage are supposed to be packed well so as not to turn on during the flight accidentally.  

The transportation department highly regulates the shipping of lithium-ion batteries. Companies that ship such kind of products obtain certifications and training before getting the green light to transport such items.

Li-ion batteries are also not allowed to be carried alongside other dangerous items such as chemistries. These batteries have become so important in our lives. However, everybody has to be aware of the hazards in order to stay safe.