Secure transport of lithium batteries is one of the greatest safety concerns the air cargo industry faces. That’s according to Damian Brett, writing in Aircargo News on April 19, 2023. The documentation is already in place. What’s missing is lithium battery transport compliance across the board, by all the players in the game.
Poor Lithium Battery Transport Compliance Down to Ignorance
Damian Brett cites IATA head of cargo safety and dangerous goods David Brennan as follows:
- Two main areas of concern remain, despite ongoing efforts.
- These are undeclared shipments, and the residual risk of fire.
- Undeclared battery shipments are often down to ignorance.
- However, some people think they do not need to obey the rules.
Ignorance appears to be the largest driver behind poor lithium battery transport compliance. For example, where a supplier ships a replacement e-bike, without even knowing the regulations exist.
We’ve all seen videos of flight crew tackling occasional lithium battery fires in overhead storage lockers. At least, these are in the public eye and they can take action promptly. However, the greater risk is of a fire starting somewhere deep in a cargo hold. Lithium battery fires generate considerable heat, and are difficult to extinguish.
But Some Lithium Batteries are Substandard Manufacture
The IATA regulations should suffice, provided lithium batteries are inherently safe, and customers understand and comply with the rules. However, this does not provide cover for rogue lithium batteries. IATA is extending its program to facilitate incident sharing. “If we don’t know what is going on, we can’t possibly fix it,” Brennan says wryly.
A new United Nations standard calls for better shipment labeling, to declare the type of battery in the case of vehicles. There is also talk of limiting the maximum state of charge for installed batteries. We appeal to our readers to play ball, when it comes to lithium battery transport compliance.
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