What are the airlines’ requirements for lithium battery air transportation?
Because lithium is a particularly active metal element that is easy to cause chemical reactions, Issues of lithium battery packaging and transportation must be paid enough attention to. Otherwise improper handling can make lammability and accidents happen. In recent years, accidents caused by non-standard behaviors in battery packaging and transportation have been reported frequently, and this phenomenon has received more and more attention. A number of organizations have issued a number of regulations, various related parts have become more strict on the management of lithium polymer battery air transportation, and operational requirements is much higher now, They also constantly update these regulations (eg, ITAT revises the regulations for lithium battery transportation every two years).
Basic requirements for lithium battery transportation
(1) Lithium batteries and lithium battery packs are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods;
(2) All lithium batteries (or packs) shall pass the UN38.3 test;
(3) Exceptional provisions for the transportation of some Class 9 dangerous goods lithium batteries;
(4) Strict restrictions on transporting samples;
(5) Limit the quantity of Japanese lithium battery that passengers can carry with;
(6) All defective batteries or damaged batteries are prohibited from airway shipping.
DG labels for lithium battery transport
Air freight’s packaging requirements for lithium batteries.
1. Requirements for packaging and documentation.
(1) These batteries must be shipped in accordance with the restrictions in the rules (DGR4.2). They must be packaged in the UN package as specified in the DGR Dangerous Goods Regulations in accordance with the appropriate packaging instructions and the complete numbering on the package.
(2) In accordance with the requirements of the packaging, in addition to the appropriate transport name and UN number mark, it must also attach 9 types of dangerous labels
(3) The shipper must fill out a dangerous goods declaration form and provide a dangerous certificate.
Provide a certificate of transport identification for certified third party institution and display it as conformation to safe products (including UN38.3 test, 1.2 m drop packaging test).
So,for Lithium battery air transportation, what are the detailed specific requirements?
Lithium battery air transport requirements
(1) The battery must pass the UN38.3 test requirements and the 1.2 m drop packaging test;
(2) The shipper provides the declaration letter of dangerous goods and marks the UN number;
(3) All kinds of labels for dangerous goods must be attached to the outer packaging, and the operation label “only for all cargo planes” is attached;
(4) It is designed to prevent bursting under normal transportation conditions and is provided with effective measures to prevent external short circuits;
(5) Sturdy outer packaging, the battery is protected against short circuit, and it should be prevented from coming into contact with short-circuit conductive materials in the same package.
(6) Transportation for Battery installation in the equipment fits additional different requirements:
The device is placed tightly to prevent the battery from moving within the package and the packaging prevents the battery from starting accidentally during transport. The outer packaging can be waterproof or waterproof by lining the inner lining (such as a plastic bag) unless the device itself has structural features that are already waterproof.
(7) The lithium battery in trays needs to avoid strong vibration during the handling process, and protect the corner from the vertical and horizontal sides of the tray;
(8) The weight of a single package is less than 35kgs;
(9) Airline operation note:
a. All-cargo transportation only
b. Lithium battery air transport information appears on the captain’s notice
c. Enhance crew awareness and make decisions under emergency situations
d. Inform the attendees in the cargo compartment the type and quantity of batteries.
The FAA requires lithium batteries to be loaded in the Class C cargo cabin of the aircraft. The cargo cabin must have a smoke detection system, an alarm system, and a fire suppression system.