7/12/2012

How to Ship Spare Computer Batteries as Cargo by Air [IATA PI 965]

Transportation

Computer batteries (either lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries) that are packaged as cargo on either passenger planes or cargo planes must follow IATA packing instruction 965. If the Watt-hour rating of the batteries is < 100 (and battery cells < 20 Watt-hour) they are subject to IATA Packing Instruction 965 ?Section II?Excepted Lithium Ion Cells and Batteries."

The following the following general requirements apply to all lithium ion or lithium polymer cells and batteries:

Each cell and battery must be of the type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3 (Batteries, including those which have been refurbished or otherwise altered, are subject to these tests irrespective of whether the cells of which they are composed have been so tested)
Cells and batteries identified by the manufacturer as being defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, that have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit are forbidden for transport by air
Waste lithium batteries and lithium batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal are prohibited from air transport unless approved by the appropriate national authority of the State of origin and the State of the operator
Cells and batteries must be protected so as to prevent short circuits. This includes protection against contact with conductive materials within the same packaging that could lead to a short circuit

The maximum quantity per package for passenger and cargo aircraft is 10 kg gross weight.

According to PI 965 Section II lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries are not subject to any additional requirements of the IATA regulations except for the requirements applicable to:

Dangerous goods in passenger and crew baggage (Subsection 2.3). Only those lithium ion batteries as specifically permitted may be carried in carry-on baggage
Dangerous goods in air mail (Subsection 2.4)
Reporting of dangerous goods accidents, incidents and other occurrences (9.6.1 and 9.6.2)
The Watt-hour rating must be marked on the outside of the battery case except those manufactured before 1 January 2009
Cells and batteries must be packed in strong outer packagings that conform to 5.0.2.4, 5.0.2.6.1 and 5.0.2.12.1

Battery cells and batteries must be packed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery then placed in a strong outer packaging. Each package must be capable of withstanding a 1.2 m drop test in any orientation without:

Damage to cells or batteries contained therein
Shifting of the contents so as to allow battery to battery (or cell to cell) contact
Release of contents

Each consignment must be accompanied with a document that indicates:

The package contains lithium ion cells or batteries
The package must be handled with care and that a flammability hazard exists if the package is damaged
Special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking if necessary
A telephone number for additional information

Each package must also be labeled with a lithium battery-handling label (place the word ?ion? on the blank space below)

An IATA Shipper?s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is not required for shipments of lithium batteries that are prepared using this packing instruction. However, the words ?Lithium ion batteries,? ?not restricted? and ?PI 965? must be included on the air waybill, when an air waybill is used. The information should be shown in the ?Nature and Quantity of Goods? box of the air waybill.

The personnel that prepare or offer batteries for transport must receive adequate instruction on all of these requirements commensurate with their responsibilities. This can be accomplished by attending Environmental Resource Center?s How to Ship Batteries by Ground or Air webcast.

For more information on the transportation of dangerous goods by air, attend Environmental Resource Center?s Transportation of Dangerous Goods: Compliance with IATA Regulations ? Webcast.

Raleigh RCRA and DOT Training

Register for Hazardous Waste Management: The Complete Course (RCRA) and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course, in Raleigh, North Carolina, from July 16?18 and save $100. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 1-800-537-2372.

Macon RCRA and DOT Training

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Dallas RCRA and DOT Training

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How to Prepare for OSHA?s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)

OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations? globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (now called ?safety data sheet? or SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on SDSs.

Environmental Resource Center is offering webcast training for you to learn how the new rule differs from current requirements, how to implement the changes, and when the changes must be implemented. Register for an upcoming webcast on How to Prepare for OSHA?s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS) offered on the following dates: