Safety Measures For Cautious Transportation Of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The uncertain risk involved in moving lithium-ion batteries by sea, land or indeed by air is well documented. Many container ship fires have been caused or exacerbated by cargo containing lithium-ion batteries, including EVs. Combatting this hazard is the responsibility of all involved in their transportation, sources LR.

Regulatory Restrictions

Lithium batteries are today used to power a variety of products, including handheld devices (such as phones or cameras), through to larger items such as power tools and electric vehicles of all types. The market has expanded rapidly over the last two decades due to developments in electronics and now broader energy transition globally. Understanding the risks they may present during transport and storage is crucial.  Following serious incidents, regulatory restrictions regarding the carriage of lithium batteries by air have been implemented, resulting in greater reliance on surface modes for movement around the globe. Coupled with a further number of recently recorded incidents, safety concerns around the transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries through the entire supply chain rightly continue to grow – particularly amongst the maritime community.   

Those in the logistics industry, covering both land and sea modes need to have a clear understanding of the dangers inherent in transporting these batteries which can include fire, explosions, and toxic gas emissions.  The release of toxic fumes may be the first alert, but fire with temperatures higher than 1,000 centigrade can be reached in a matter of seconds and, as the mix of chemicals and metals decomposes, devastation can ensue.  

Reclassification

“It is now argued that there is a need for a radical review of the appropriate classification, as the size and energy capacity of these batteries have altered dramatically. Additionally, the volumes being carried in container ships and car carriers have mushroomed with the traded success of these energy storage components and devices,” says Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk management director, TT club. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are classified as one of four UN numbers, depending on power output or the weight of lithium in them and whether they are contained within devices or shipped separately. This diversity will shortly be expanded, but all these UN numbers continue to fall within Class 9  ‘Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles’. Classification away from ‘Flammable solids’ was on the basis that the then smaller batteries presented reduced hazards compared to their larger counterparts through the supply chain.  

It is unsurprising to note that such reclassification is not an original idea. Over the last six years, there have been ongoing debates touching on this at the relevant United Nations committee. From a layman’s perspective this – apart from the elapsed time – might offer hope. Not unreasonably, much of the conversation has been driven by research around the hazards presented and the types of reactions that may ensue. It is important to understand what may initiate decomposition, the critical temperatures, what energy and heat may be released, and such. In addressing the commercial opportunities to move away from reliance on fossil fuels, there also needs to be urgent engagement from all involved in the production and regulation of these batteries to resolve the justifiable concerns of the logistics industry. Perhaps it is time to recognize separately substances and articles that are prone to rapid decomposition and the expulsion of reactive energy. 

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Source: LloydsRegister

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