HAZMAT Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods - Lithium Batteries

The term lithium battery refers to a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising many types of cathodes and electrolytes. They differ from other batteries in the high-charge density, which means they have a long lifespan and high cost per unit. Lithium batteries are separated into two main categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

• UN 3090 Lithium metal batteries
• UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment
• UN 3480 Lithium ion batteries
• UN 3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment

Lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable and capable of ignition. Ignition can be caused when a battery is overcharged, is heated to extreme temperatures, is mishandled, is otherwise defective, or short circuits.

An additional document is no longer required to accompany consignments of Section II lithium batteries. Additionally, the lithium battery handling label, which is required on packages, has been replaced by a new lithium battery mark. The new mark is similar to the lithium battery handling label in dimension and color, but the new mark does not contain any words and the UN number is required to be applied. This new mark is now mandatory.

Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods - Magnetized Metal

The DGR specifies regulations for any magnetized material that has a maximum magnetic field strength sufficient to cause a compass deflection of more than 2 degrees at a distance of 2.1 meters from any point on the surface of the assembled package. That magnetic field strength is equal to 0.418 A/m. Magnets with relatively high magnetic field strength can interfere with the instruments onboard the aircraft.

Magnetic metals, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt that are used in automobiles, automotive parts, metal fencing, and piping, may affect aircraft compasses. Even if they do not meet the magnetic field strength specifications listed above, groups of these substances can have a cumulative magnetic field strength to be considered a hazard.

To learn more about IATA DGR visit our IATA DGR Refresher Online Training web page.