Lithium Batteries Training by Ground

A wide array of electronic devices, vehicles and equipment are powered with lithium batteries. This includes cell phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, tablets, and portable video game consoles. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) all consider these batteries to be Class 9 hazardous materials. The stored energy within these batteries or cells that power many of the items we use in our daily lives can, under certain conditions, cause lithium batteries or cells to overheat and catch fire. Shipping lithium batteries by ground and violating the hazardous material regulations poses a great risk to the integrity of the packaging, as well as of the vehicle transporting the lithium batteries, endangering lives and property.

As such, shipping lithium batteries by ground can be dangerous without the proper lithium batteries training. This is why all four organizations have regulations governing the classification, identification, packaging, marking and labeling, documentation, placarding, and segregation of lithium batteries. One can certainly learn about  lithium batteries by ground regulations in the respective hazardous materials training courses for shipping by ground, but the regulations for lithium batteries warrant their own specialized training. This is because of the volume and frequency of shipping lithium batteries by ground and the potential dangers they pose. Moreover, the shipping requirements may differ greatly based not only on the mode of transportation, but on whether they are lithium ion batteries or lithium metal batteries. Regulations may also be different for packages containing “small” lithium batteries, for which exceptions may apply.

This lithium batteries by ground course is intended as initial or recurrent training for participants involved with the handling, shipping, and/or transport of Lithium Batteries by ground.  For those currently trained in ground transportation of dangerous goods, this course may be utilized as a supplemental course covering the specifics of shipping lithium batteries by ground.

Included in this course at no additional cost are General Awareness and Security Awareness.

Upon completion of the lithium batteries course, the student will have a better understanding of the current regulations involving shipping and handling of lithium batteries. There have been many significant changes in all three modes of transport, and it is important for both new and existing shippers of lithium batteries to understand and apply the prescribed regulations to ship lithium batteries by ground.

Course Objectives

At the end of the lithium batteries course, participants will be familiar with:

• The different types, sizes, and uses of Lithium Batteries, as well as the need to properly pack, mark, label, and document shipments of such batteries when required
• Definitions of components and measurements associated with Lithium Batteries
• The U.S. and international regulations which apply to the transport of Lithium Batteries
• Specific information regarding the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation for the transport of Lithium Batteries
• Emergency Response requirements associated with Lithium Batteries

Upon successful completion of the course, the student may download a certificate of course completion, certifying their completion of lithium batteries by ground training.

Additional information regarding U.S. Hazardous Materials Training requirements can be found at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/

Regulatory Manuals

• Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) - Electronic Version is available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/hazardous-materials-regulations
  • Printed version is optional.

The regulatory manuals can be purchased as books or digital downloads from Air Sea Containers.

Primary Audience

This course is intended for shippers, freight forwarders, and hazmat employees involved in the handling, shipping, and/or transport of Lithium Batteries by ground, including spares or replacement lithium batteries, lithium batteries contained in equipment, and lithium batteries packed with equipment.

This lithium batteries by ground training may also be applicable to personnel of Federal departments and agencies, such as government contractors, military armed forces personnel, and civilian subcontractors that are involved in shipping and transporting hazardous materials.

Are you a shipper, freight forwarder, or hazmat employee? Still have questions about Hazmat training? CLICK HERE to view Hazmat University’s FREE Online Training Guide.