IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air

Online Training Certification Course

From the highest rated and most trusted online training company - since 2008.

This online training course presents an overview of the rules and regulations associated with the safe air transport of lithium batteries. As a Class 9 HAZMAT, lithium battery shipment by air must meet strict safety standards to reduce the hazards associated with transporting batteries. Course topics include proper packing procedures, labeling processes, and ways to reduce the risks associated with transporting lithium batteries on airplanes.

This course is for:
Employees with responsibilities associated with managing an aircraft must receive general and function-specific safety training. This includes many types of employees involved in the transport and travel process, such as cargo acceptance staff, loaders, passenger handling staff, and cabin crew. Given the popularity of lithium batteries on flights, staff should also be trained in first aid procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a lithium battery fire.

Case Study: On July 28, 2011, there was a fire in the cargo hold of a B744 flying over Jeju, South Korea. The aircraft crashed into the Korean Strait and the two crew members on-board died. An investigation into the cause of the fire determined that cargo stored on the aircraft caught fire. A total of 2,092 kilograms of the cargo on-board was declared as dangerous goods, loaded near the left cargo door on the main deck. These goods consisted of flammable liquids, corrosive liquids, and lithium-ion batteries, totaling 198 cells rated at 25 ampere hour (Ah) at 3.65 volts (V). All dangerous cargo had been placed onto two pallets and had been loaded without problems, with no observation of damage or leakages. The goods had been previously stored according to regulations. It was impossible to say what caused the fire, other than cargo stored on the aircraft. The instructor exclusively in charge of dangerous goods training stated he had trained all pilots with an emphasis on cargo safety standards for lithium ion batteries and cargo fire procedures.

Key Takeaways: To reduce the risks associated with transporting dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries by aircraft, it is important to make sure crew members are adequately trained to follow the procedures associated with transporting dangerous goods and are familiar with fire safety practices. Dangerous goods should also be properly labelled for transport.

Available languages: 100+ languages - translation provided by Google Translate (Select Language bottom of page)

Governing Regulations

The most current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (updated yearly) govern the standards for shipping lithium batteries. Airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and shippers all rely on the IATA DGR manual to ensure the safe transport of hazmat materials. This online certification course provides general awareness and function-specific lithium battery training to satisfy IATA DGR and DOT HAZMAT employee training requirements.

If you do not have a copy, you will need to purchase the IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations both for reference purposes in your day to day shipping operations, and while taking this course.

You can access the current edition IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Guidance document from our "Resources" section.

What You'll Learn

About This Course

Course Objectives

Introduction to Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Key Terms
Governing Authority
Lithium Battery - History
Background
Overview
Statistics for Transporting Lithium Batteries by Air

Responsibilities

Introduction to the Dangerous Goods Regulations

Application of the Regulations
State and Operator Variations
State Variations
Operator Variations

Classification

Using the List of Dangerous Goods
Special Provisions for Lithium Batteries
Applicable Regulations for Transporting Lithium Batteries - IATA
Packing Instructions

Commonly Transported Lithium Batteries

Carry-on Luggage
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

Transporting Lithium Batteries - Shipping Regulations

Labeling

Documentation

Shipper's Declaration
Airway Bill

Cargo Acceptance and Handling for Lithium Batteries

Acceptance
Loading
Operator Approval and General Cargo Handling

Types of Hazards for Transporting Lithium Batteries

Procedures for a Fire Event
Lithium Battery Event - Fire-fighting Procedures

Controls

Controls - Risk Assessment
Controls - Risk Likelihood
Controls - Risk Acceptability
Controls - Incident Occurrence
Engineering Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Training Requirements
Guidelines

Additional Resources

Summary

Exam

It will take a MINIMUM of 2 hours to complete this online course. The student may log on and off as needed. A bookmark will be set so when they log back in they will return to where they left off.

We have no restrictions on how long a person takes to complete a course. Likewise, if you are purchasing for others, we have no time limit on assigning courses, so you can purchase a larger quantity than you currently need and take advantage of volume discounts.

According to the IATA DGR section 1.5.0.3, recurrent training must occur within 24 months of the previous training to remain IATA certified in relevant topics. Retraining ensures knowledge is current to IATA DGR regulations and standards. Employers must verify that all personnel involved in the shipping process, including consignors and freight forwarders, are adhering to IATA lithium battery guidelines.

Each student will receive 0.2 CEUs (or 2 CMEs) from Compliance Training Online® for completing this course.

Mario M Verified
IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

I really like this course. It helped me to see different aspects of security and awareness.

Hali A Verified
IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

The questions were tricky, but that shows those who paid attention and those who didn't. I learned a lot, and appreciate the convenience of being able to complete the training anywhere.

Fabian L Verified
IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Very good !