A step-by-step guide on how to package and transport damaged and swollen lithium batteries.
At Greentec, Equivalency Certificate 14584 has been obtained for shipments containing loose or contained in equipment, damaged, defective or swollen lithium batteries (both lithium ion and lithium metal). This knowledge base article reflects the requirements of this certificate. If you are shipping batteries that are not destined for Greentec, it is important to ensure that your shipment reflects fully regulated damaged, defective, or swollen lithium batteries according to the TDG Act and its regulations.
Step 1: Preparing for Shipment
As with undamaged lithium batteries, short circuit protection is critical to keep them from overheating and catching fire. Damaged, defective or swollen lithium batteries must always be separated from other metal objects, conductive materials, and other chemistries of batteries including undamaged lithium batteries. Terminals must be protected from impact and vibration.
Devices Containing Damaged, Defective or Swollen Lithium Batteries
Devices that contain damaged, defective or swollen lithium batteries are considered to be protected from short circuiting as the battery is secured within the device and cannot freely move during transport. It is important to ensure that all devices are switched off, and that power buttons or switches cannot be activated accidentally during transport.
Step 2: Proper Packaging and Labelling
It is essential that damaged, defective or swollen batteries are properly packaged and labelled to ensure compliance. The means of containment should always indicate the correct safety marks, that should be placed on visible sides of the means of containment.
Packaging for Shipments of Loose Damaged, Defective, or Swollen Lithium Batteries
Loose damaged, defective or swollen lithium batteries must be packed individually, within a means of containment that is compliant with P908 of the UN Recommendations. The individually packaged batteries must be vented, placed within a UN rated means of containment, and must be protected against vibration during transport. This could be achieved by using bubble wrap, Extover or some type of other material that prevents vibration and potential collision with the other batteries in the means of containment. Once the batteries are packed within the UN rated means of containment, the packaged must also be vented to ensure that any potential gases can be released.
Packaging for Shipments of Damaged, Defective or Swollen Lithium Batteries Contained in Equipment
Damaged, defective or swollen lithium batteries that are contained in equipment need to be packaged within a UN rated means of containment according to P908 of the UN Recommendations. As lithium batteries contained in equipment are considered protected against short circuiting, they do not need to be individually packaged and the terminals do not need to be protected. This means of containment must be vented.
Labelling for Shipments of Damaged, Defective or Swollen Lithium Batteries
Under Equivalency Certificate 14584, there are two safety marks required; the class 9 battery label and a label that states the following in 12 mm font:
“Damaged/Defective Lithium Ion Batteries – Forbidden for transport by Aircraft. Equivalency Certificate SU 14584”
Or
“Damaged/Defective Lithium Metal Batteries – Forbidden for transport by Aircraft. Equivalency Certificate SU 14584”
Examples of the labels
These safety marks must be placed on visible sides of the means of containment to ensure that any individual can easily identify the packaged contents.
Example of the labels applied to a means of containment
Example of the labels applied to an overpack
Step 3: Shipping Documentation
A shipping document is always required when transporting batteries by ground transportation. Unless exempt from the TDG Regulations through a special case, special provision or equivalency certificate, battery shipments must fully comply with the TDG Regulations.
Equivalency Certificate 14584 exempts Greentec from Part 3 of the TDG Regulations. On the BOL, the only statement that is required is “Equivalency Certificate SU 14584” as demonstrated below.
Step 4: Placarding Trucks for Transport
During transport, the primary class placard is required for every dangerous good transported in a large means of containment (Class 9, for example). These placards must be displayed on each side of the truck.
Note: TDG Regulations allow for an exemption to placard requirements if the gross mass of the dangerous goods on board is 500 kg or less. However, placards may still be voluntarily displayed. For more details, consult Sections 4.16.1 and 4.1.1 of the TDG Regulations.
Step 5: Reporting and Record Keeping
Under the TDG Act and Regulations, it is required to withhold any shipping documentation that contains dangerous goods for 2 years. Under Equivalency Certificate 14584, this is not required.
Step 6: Training and Certification
The TDG Act and Regulations require that anyone handling, packaging or transporting batteries must be adequately trained and hold a valid TDG training certificate. However, a person may perform these duties under trained supervision who holds a valid TDG training certificate.
Under Greentec’s Equivalency Certificate 14584, this requirement is not necessary so long as Greentec provide educational awareness to clients regarding proper handling, packaging and transport of lithium batteries.
Note: Carrier are still required to hold a valid TDG training certificate.