Avoiding Movement of Batteries within the Packaging

To further avoid short circuits during shipments of lithium batteries, the packaging should be designed to eliminate movement of the batteries within the inner and outer packaging. Also, proper packaging can prevent accidental activation of any equipment. These goals can be achieved in part by packing each battery or battery-powered device separately in fully enclosed inner packings that are made from a non-conductive material, such as plastic bags or bubble wrap. Also, make sure that exposed terminals or connectors are protected with non-conductive tape or caps.

Once the lithium batteries are packaged, the inner packing materials must be placed in one of the following outer packages for shipment:

• Metal, wooden, fiberglass, or solid plastic box
• Metal, plywood, fiber, or plastic drum
• Metal or plastic jerrican (which is a narrow, flat-sided container typically used for storing liquids)

When lithium cells or batteries are placed with other equipment, the packaging must adhere to the following regulations:

• Be placed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery, then placed in an outer packaging. The completed package for the cells or batteries must meet the material packaging requirements of outer packages for shipment.
• Be placed in inner packagings that completely enclose the cell or battery, then placed with equipment in a package that meets the material packaging requirements above.

When lithium cells or batteries are contained inside equipment, they must be placed in outer packaging that has appropriate strength to protect the product, unless the equipment in which they are contained is sufficiently protective. Equipment must also be secured against movement from outer packaging during transport.

To learn more about Lithium Batteries HAZMAT visit our DOT Lithium Batteries HAZMAT Online Training web page.