Lithium-ion battery transport

Many modern products and devices, including electric cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries. When it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries, extra caution should be observed due to their risk of fire. For this reason, lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods and specific guidelines must be observed for their transit. Read on to find out more on safe lithium-ion battery transport, what transportation regulations need to be followed and what you should look out for before and during transit.

Why are lithium-ion batteries considered dangerous goods?

Due to their highly reactive nature, lithium-ion batteries are particularly vulnerable to external environmental factors when moved from one place to another. Mechanical forces, temperature changes and accidental impact could cause them to become distorted, for example. Due to this risk, these batteries are categorised as dangerous goods and should be transported with caution.

Thermal Runaway

A thermal runway is an unstoppable chain reaction that occurs within a lithium-ion battery,resulting in a fire that is extremely difficult to extinguish. It takes place when the internal temperature within the lithium-ion battery rises causing stored energy to be released within a matter of milliseconds. Poisonous heavy metal deposits and fumes are produced and released into the surrounding environment. Material parts of the battery can also be discharged.

As a result, it is important that proper chemical protective equipment is worn when handling and transporting lithium-ion batteries. A thermal runway can occur for a number of reasons:

• Mechanical damage: caused by breakage or crushing due to the impact of a fall or shock
• Electrical loads: caused by overcharging or wear and tear
• Thermal stresses: caused by temperature increases/decreases due to incorrect storage

It is also very important to implement proper fire prevention procedures to ensure safety when transporting lithium-ion batteries by road or air. Transport and shipping regulations can also change depending on the function and construction of the lithium-ion battery. It is advised to conduct a full risk assessment to determine the appropriate protective measures needed.

If a thermal runway occurs and causes a fire, water can be used to extinguish and cool the battery. It can also serve to protect the accompanying battery units from further thermal runaways.

Lithium batteries: the importance of correct labelling

Lithium-ion battery transportation and shipping requirements state that battery units transported by road must clearly be marked in accordance with ADR (the Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). Differently sized labels are required depending on the size of the package being transported. Currently, a measurement of 100mm × 100mm is required for bigger packing labels; 100mm x 70mm is adequate for smaller shipment units.

According to ADR, the labelling requirements for the transportation of lithium-ion batteries does not apply in some rare cases. These include:

• Shipping units in which lithium-ion button cells are installed in equipment (incl. circuit boards)
• Shipping units containing two packages or less where each package doesn’t contain more than four cells
• Shipping units containing two batteries installed in equipment

Packing lithium batteries for transport

Specialised safety containers used for storing lithium-ion batteries are also suitable when it comes to transporting them. The regulations for packing group II must be followed for the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, except in cases where the battery is defective or damaged – in which case, packing group I regulations should be adhered to.

How to recognise a damaged lithium-ion battery

Defective lithium-ion batteries are particularly prone to risk of fire during transportation –especially if a battery weighs more than 500 grams. The following characteristics indicate that a battery could be damaged:

• Clearly deformed housing
• Metal parts of the battery are tarnished
• Melting points on the plastic housing
• Leakages
• Warming of the battery when switched off

Lithium-ion battery shipping requirements

When transporting damaged lithium-ion batteries by road there is a high risk of a thermal runway occuring (this is usually activated by vibrations on bumpy roads or sudden braking). It is important that the specific shipping and packing regulations surrounding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries are applied here. It is also important to note that the applicable provisions of the DGR have been adhered to. This includes not charging lithium batteries above 30% charge.

Requirements for the transport of lithium batteries

The energy density of lithium-ion batteries dictates which transportation laws for dangerous goods you must take into account before transporting them. Lithium-ion battery transportation is only permitted after a summary report has been completed: the UN Test 38.3 from the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria must be met to ensure safety when transporting batteries by land, sea, and air. The environment factors that will affect the lithium batteries during transit are recreated for this purpose. Should you fail to provide the required documents when transporting lithium-ion batteries, you are subject to a fine. Your insurance provider may also decline to pay if a fire breaks out as a result of a thermal runway.

Special packing standards must once again be followed if during the transportation of lithium-ion batteries.

Checklist – this information must be included in the test summary

Listed below is the relevant information that should be provided by the UN Test 38.3 test summary report:

• Name and contact information of the cell, battery or product manufacturing company
• Name of the testing laboratory with all contact information
• A unique test report identification number
• Date of the issued test report
• A detailed description of the cell or battery
• A list of tests carried out and results
• Reference to testing requirements for compound batteries
• Reference to the revised edition of the Manual of Tests and Criteria used and amendments
• Signature with the name and title of the person signing to indicate the validity of the information provided

Lithium-ion battery transport and shipping regulations

Extensive transport laws are applicable to commercial shipments in order to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the transport chain. Additional dangerous goods laws must be followed if defective or damaged lithium batteries are transported. You can find a comprehensive list of laws and regulations from ADR, IATA (the International Air Transport Association) as well as UN regulations.

According to international transport legislation, lithium-ion batteries with an energy density of more than 100 Wh are considered Class 9 dangerous goods. On the various transportation routes, the following rules come into effect:

• Road/Rail: ADR/RID
• Sea freight: IMDG Code
• Air cargo: IATA DGR

Please note: It is important to always use the latest version of the respective regulations: lithium-ion battery technology is constantly evolving, and thus transport regulations are also updated more frequently.

Depending on the battery type or installation, batteries are assessed according to the following UN regulations:

• UN 3480 Lithium-ion batteries
• UN 3481 Lithium-ion batteries in equipment
• UN 3481 Lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment

If there is any doubt about which specifications apply, the battery manufacturing company or a dangerous goods specialist can provide reliable information.

FAQ on the transport of lithium batteries

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