Anyone that is going to transport batteries should know that it can be a hazardous undertaking. Batteries that are packaged improperly can cause fire by short-circuiting. Strict guidelines put forth by the US Code of Federal Regulations are strictly enforced to ensure battery transportation safety. This is essential in order to keep everyone on the road free from harm and to keep valuable equipment from being destroyed.
Various chemical components comprise different types of batteries. Safety precautions and standard packaging are required for each and every kind of battery. Inside the cardboard shipping box is a divider, cushioning, blister pack, and more. Boxes must be properly labeled.
Lead Acid Batteries
Frequently used in automobiles, lead acid batteries are just one of the many dry cell power sources shipped throughout the world today. In the United States, they are referred to as Class 8 Corrosive Hazardous Materials. Special labeling guidelines, marking, and packaging is required for the shipping of these batteries. The following are a number of precautions and requirements that should be considered in the transportation of lead acid batteries:
- At 131°F or 55°C, electrolyte cannot flow from a cracked or ruptured case
- The package in which the batteries are being shipped needs to be clearly marked “NONSPILLABLE BATTERY” or “NONSPILLABLE” all in caps
- Batteries need to be subjected to vibration and pressure differential testing
- Thermal protection must be placed on the batteries
- Batteries must be shipped in an upright position and, to separate each battery, placed on a non-conductive divider
Lithium-Based Batteries
Non-rechargeable or lithium metal batteries and rechargeable or lithium ion batteries are made with high amounts of power provision in mind. Sometimes, heat or fire can be caused by this great amount of power. This is why the rules that apply to transporting this type of battery are so stringent. In the United States, they are listed as Class 9 Miscellaneous Hazardous Batteries.
When transporting lithium-based batteries, one of the most important things to consider is the prevention of short-circuiting. This is accomplished by precise shipping methods and regulations. Non-conductive tape is placed on all terminals. Batteries are individually placed in plastic bags. Sometimes, for shipping, batteries are not removed from their blister pack. Before placing them in a box, cushioning is inserted between the batteries.
As they long as they do not exceed certain limitations, there are some exceptions to shipping these considerably hazardous batteries. Those exceptions are as follows:
- The equivalent lithium content in the battery must not exceed 8 g
- The lithium metal in the battery cannot be in excess of 2 g
Under no circumstances should batteries that are being shipped ever come into contact with water. This opens up a whole new collection of issues and problems.
Mickey sells trucks and trailers, both new and used, capable of safely transporting batteries and nearly any other product, component, part, etc. imaginable. We stand behind everything we sell and have a customer service department that is unparalleled. And with repair and maintenance centers located all over America, assistance is always close by. Contact Mickey today and see what we can do to meet your trucking and transportation needs.