All electrochemical batteries contain active chemicals. Some of these are harmful to humans, wildlife, and nature. Others are even highly flammable, and explosive too. Federal aviation authorities tightened their rules, after a series of unexplained air crashes. We interpret these controls from a user point of view, so we know how to transport batteries securely and safely when we need to.
We Need to Transport All Batteries Safely, Not Just Lithium.
Authorities only fingered lithium batteries for causing aircraft crashes in quarter of known incidents. That’s because nickel-based, and lead-acid batteries also contributed to them. The commonest cause appears to be poor packaging and handling, leading to short-circuits and chain reactions. The following precautions apply to both new and used batteries.
Mitigating the Risks of Nickel-Based Batteries
Nickel-based batteries may contain harmful chemicals that react with air, releasing heat, explosions, and fire. These are most likely to develop following a short circuit. Wrap each nickel battery cell individually in insulating material. Never store batteries with coins and / or keys, or in a metal box either.
How to Transport Lead-Acid Batteries Safely
Lead-acid batteries, as the name suggests, contain sulfuric acid in a dilution strong enough to burn human skin. Their electrochemical processes can also generate flammable hydrogen gases. These can explode if a battery case cracks open, and there is a spark. For these reasons, authorities recommend the following precautions:
- Do not transport lead-acid batteries with other hazardous materials.
- Stack them a maximum of three high, separated by soft insulation.
- Wrap the pallet with shrink wrap, to increase load stability.
- Label the consignment as corrosive, and mark contents ‘hazardous’
- Damaged lead batteries must be drained of acid before shipping.
Rules for Transporting Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries may not ship in passenger aircraft holds. They may only be taken on board in limited quantities as personal baggage, in which case the terminals of loose ones must be insulated to prevent short circuits. Please take these precautions seriously. Lithium fires generate extreme heat, and resist most fire extinguishers.
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