The Curious Case of the Lithium Battery

From cell phones to electric vehicles, lithium batteries have invaded every aspect of our daily lives.  They are in our business tools, our field equipment, the watches we wear, and the cars we drive.  Yet lithium battery technology outstripped regulatory oversight, and now the transport regulations regarding lithium batteries are in constant flux.  Lithium metal batteries are distinctly different from lithium ion batteries in both construction and emergency response.  Yet often they are confused, even by the regulating community.  Incidents involving lithium ion batteries have made headlines and are driving even further changes to the way lithium batteries are shipped.  Understanding the technology, the process of classifying, and appropriate emergency response is critical to safely and compliantly shipping lithium batteries.  Classification begins with United Nation tests, and even device manufacturers may be required to test.  If a battery doesn’t pass the tests, then a competent authority approval is required.  And what about end-of-life, recycled, or defective battery transport?  Significant changes in lithium battery transport requirements necessitate a complete review of the current and future transport requirements.  The review will examine incidents which have driven the changes, why the regulations are changing, and the possible consequences of not complying with the transport regulations including human life and economic impacts.