Responsibilities

Many people are involved in the safe transport of lithium batteries by air.

Employers

Employers are responsible for ensuring employees are properly trained to handle the responsibilities associated with managing an aircraft. Preventative training helps an employee understand how to stop an incident from occurring, such as properly handling cargo before the flight. This type of training applies to many types of employees, such as:

• Cargo Acceptance Staff
• Loaders
• Passenger Handling Staff
• Cabin Crew

Preventative training should concentrate on detection of the following:

• Damaged packages
• Lithium batteries not in compliance with the requirements

Staff should also be trained to know how to respond to an incident involving fire, smoke, or fumes. This type of training is important for the flight and cabin crew. The flight and cabin crew should also receive comprehensive safety training to cover the hazards presented by lithium batteries, including safe handling and emergency procedures. Options for treating a fire on-board an aircraft are limited. No matter what dangerous goods are listed on the Notification to Captain (NOTOC) never assume the fire is not caused by lithium batteries since there is always the possibility of undeclared lithium batteries on-board the aircraft. Flight crew should be trained to respond to an emergency involving lithium batteries that are carried as cargo by following the standard operating procedure for smoke or fire events. The most important aspect of which is to land as soon as possible.

Employers must also ensure the flight crew is equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist in case of a fire. For instance, if a fire is suspected in the cargo area, a visual inspection of the area may be necessary. Before approaching the area, the crew member should don PPE, such as Portable Breathing Equipment (PBE) and fire gloves.

Employers are responsible for training and protecting the crew through processes, such as:

• Determining the presence of hazards on-board the aircraft
• Identifying jobs most at risk for coming into contact with hazards
• Knowing first aid procedures that are appropriate for smoke inhalation and burn care
• Identifying the hazards to which the crew may be exposed
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Offering adequate training

Employees

Employees should adhere to training, which includes knowing:

• How to follow best safety practices
• When and how to use PPE
• How to use first aid
• What to do in the event of a lithium battery incident

Personnel Providers

Personnel providers are responsible for informing the potential employee about risks associated with working for a client, such as job opportunities that entail transporting dangerous goods and the associated hazards for these processes.