Class 9 - Lithium Batteries Primary Hazard

Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are highly flammable and capable of ignition. Ignition can be caused when a battery short circuits, is overcharged, is heated to extreme temperatures, is mishandled, or is otherwise defective. Once a cell is induced into thermal runaway, an uncontrolled cycle of an increase in temperature, it can rapidly generate sufficient heat to cause adjacent cells to go into thermal runaway. A lithium metal cell can release a flammable electrolyte mixed with molten lithium metal, accompanied by a large pressure pulse, which can result in an explosive mixture.

To learn more about Multimodal Shipping visit our Multimodal DOT, IATA & IMDG HAZMAT Shipping Online Training web page.