1. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Guidelines for
Handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services © 2015 All rights reserved
Aligned to V3.3 March 2015
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

2. Important Disclaimer:
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Important Disclaimer:
Please note:
The information contained in these Guidelines is purely illustrative and does not replace the study of the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations to perform any tasks related to the preparation of shipments containing Lithium Batteries.
Professional Aviation Services does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the content. Professional Aviation Services will not be held responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause.
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

3. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
IMPORTANT NOTE
This presentation has been compiled to assist in the understanding of the handling of Lithium Batteries for transport by air.
Final details should ALWAYS be checked against the current version of the IATA DGR. This is regularly updated.
The electronic DGR is recommended. You should ALWAYS connect to the internet before use, as it automatically updates.
Should you be using the printed DGR it is important that you check for updates/revisions; at present (56th Edition: 10 February 2015) there is one available:
Addendum posted 8 Jan effective January 1, 2015
NOTE: These addenda contains changes effecting Lithium Batteries in a variety of sections of the DGR
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

4. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Background Section
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5. Background Section Why the Attention?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Background Section Why the Attention?
What is Lithium?
A short history of incidents
Why are lithium batteries dangerous?
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6. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
What is Lithium?
Lithium (from Greek lithos 'stone') is a chemical element with symbol Li and atomic number 3
It is a soft, silver-white metal belonging to the alkali metal group of chemical elements
The lithium ion Li+ administered as any of several lithium salts has proved to be useful as a mood-stabilizing drug in the treatment of bipolar disorder
Lithium and its compounds have several industrial applications, including heat-resistant glass and ceramics, high strength-to-weight alloys used in aircraft, lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries
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7. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Background
February 7, 2006
Flight 1307, N748UP, a Douglas DC-8, was destroyed by fire at Philadelphia International Airport.
Just before landing the crew reported a smoke detector activated in the cargo hold.
After landing, the cargo hold of the aircraft caught fire.
The source of the fire was never resolved.
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8. What’s the history of incidents?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
What’s the history of incidents?
… out of 44 incidents* involving lithium batteries since 1991:
21 involved passenger aircraft; of those, 16 involved carry-on luggage, and 1 involved checked baggage
23 incidents involved cargo aircraft, presumably in pallets of batteries being transported by air
*(in the US)
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9. Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
…other types of batteries use a water-based electrolyte in each cell, lithium ion relies on a highly flammable solvent. When heated up, that solvent tends to vaporize, spraying the burnable gas into the surrounding air. As a result, lithium ion battery fires burn extremely hot, as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1200oC).
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10. Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

11. Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

12. Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

13. Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Why are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?
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14. End of Background Section
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
End of Background Section
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15. Basic Understanding Section
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Basic Understanding Section
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16. Basic Understanding Section
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Basic Understanding Section
Basis of the Information
Cells vs Batteries
Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal
Dealing with Specifications
What do these things look like?
Batteries, or batteries in or with equipment?
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17. Handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo Basis of Information
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo Basis of Information
2015 IATA DGR – 56th Edition
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

18. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
IMPORTANT NOTE
This presentation has been compiled to assist in the understanding of the handling of Lithium Batteries for transport by air.
Final details should ALWAYS be checked against the current version of the IATA DGR. This is regularly updated.
The electronic DGR is recommended. You should ALWAYS connect to the internet before use, as it automatically updates.
Should you be using the printed DGR it is important that you check for updates/revisions; at present (56th Edition: 10 February 2015) there is one available:
Addendum posted 8 Jan effective January 1, 2015
NOTE: This addendum contains changes effecting Lithium Batteries in a variety of sections of the DGR
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

19. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Background
Cells and Batteries … what’s the difference?
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20. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Main definitions
What are CELLS?
“Cell” means a single encased electrochemical unit (one positive and one negative electrode) which exhibits a voltage differential across its two terminals
If the unit meets the definition of “cell”, it is a “cell”, not a “battery”, although some units may be termed a “battery” or a “single cell battery”.
If all else fails … call for and check the MSDS
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21. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Main definitions
What are BATTERIES?
“Battery” means two or more cells which are electrically connected together and fitted with devices necessary for use, for example, case, terminals, marking and protective devices.
A single cell lithium battery is considered a "cell" and must be tested according to the testing requirements for "cells" for the purposes of these Regulations and the provisions of subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (see also the definition for "cell").
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22. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Main definitions
What are BATTERY PACKS
Units that are commonly referred to as “battery packs”, “modules” or “battery assemblies” having the primary function of providing a source of power to another piece of equipment are for the purposes of these Regulations and the provisions of Subsection 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria treated as batteries.
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23. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Cell vs Battery
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24. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Background
Cells and Batteries … what’s the difference?
Lithium Ion and Lithium Metal???
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25. Comparison of “Power Potential”
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Comparison of “Power Potential”
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26. Splitting things up to make it safer … and easier
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Splitting things up to make it safer … and easier
There are TWO types of Lithium Batteries First Question Are they Lithium ION (includes Lithium Polymer) or are they Lithium METAL (includes Lithium Alloy)
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27. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Main definitions
What are Lithium ION batteries?
rechargeable, a.k.a “secondary lithium batteries”
normally shipped in a charged or semi-charged state, can still contain HIGH levels of energy
Found in cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices
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28. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
… and Lithium Polymer?
What makes lithium-polymer batteries special?
In short, their density. Lithium Polymer (often abbreviated Li-Po or Li-Poly) batteries pack more capacity (mAh) into less space, which means lighter battery packs – especially for model aeroplanes, RC or otherwise.
So, LIGHTER doesn’t mean less charge
It’s the CHARGE not the mass that counts!
They are classified WITH Li-ion at this stage
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29. For Lithium Ion and Polymer What specs do I need?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
For Lithium Ion and Polymer What specs do I need?
The Wh (Watt Hour) rating per cell or battery
The voltage of the cell(s) or battery(s)*
* you’ll see why later
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30. The specs I get are in mAh IATA limits are expressed in Wh
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The specs I get are in mAh IATA limits are expressed in Wh
So how do you convert???
Easy formulae:
mAh to Wh
Wh = (mAh × v ) ÷ 1000
Wh to mAh:
mAh = (Wh × 1000) ÷ v
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31. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Example: mAh to Wh
mAh given: mAh
Voltage given: 3v
FORMULA: Wh = (mAh × v ) ÷ 1000
CONVERSION:
(1500 x 3) ÷ 1000 = 4500 ÷ 1000 = 4.5Wh
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32. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Example: Wh to mAh
Wh given: 15Wh
Voltage given: 3v
FORMULA: mAh = (Wh × 1000) ÷ v
CONVERSION:
(15 x1000) ÷ 3 = ÷ 3 = 5000mAh
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33. What does a 20Wh Cell Look Like?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
What does a 20Wh Cell Look Like?
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34. What does a 100Wh (or bigger) battery look like?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
What does a 100Wh (or bigger) battery look like?
240Wh
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35. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Main definitions
What are Lithium METAL batteries?
disposable, a.k.a. “primary lithium batteries”
generally NOT rechargeable, therefore normally shipped fully charged
Found in watches, calculators, cameras etc.
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36. For Lithium Metal and Alloy What specs do I need?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
For Lithium Metal and Alloy What specs do I need?
The mass in Grammes (g) of lithium in each cell or battery
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

37. Splitting things up to make it safer … and easier
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Splitting things up to make it safer … and easier
Second Question Are they a) BATTERIES (ON THEIR OWN)? OR are they b) BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT? c) BATTERIES PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT?
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38. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Before you start ….
CERTIFICATION
ALL cells and batteries must be tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria Part lll subsection 38.3
(DGR Lithium Batteries)
Handout available
ASK for proof – just as you would ask for an MSDS
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39. End of Basic Understanding Section
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
End of Basic Understanding Section
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40. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The Handling Process
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41. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
IMPORTANT NOTE
This presentation has been compiled to assist in the understanding of the handling of Lithium Batteries for transport by air.
Final details should ALWAYS be checked against the current version of the IATA DGR. This is regularly updated.
The electronic DGR is recommended. You should ALWAYS connect to the internet before use, as it automatically updates.
Should you be using the printed DGR it is important that you check for updates/revisions; at present (56th Edition: 10 February, 2015) there is one available:
Addendum posted 8 January effective January 1, 2015
NOTE: This addendum contains changes effecting Lithium Batteries in a variety of sections of the DGR
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

42. Getting closer to the process
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Getting closer to the process
A word of caution
Some other definitions
UN Numbers and Proper Shipping Names
Packing Instructions and Sections
Getting it Right – a step by step approach
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

43. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
A word of caution
STOP
A154 Lithium batteries identified by the manufacturer as being defective for safety reasons, or that have been damaged, that have the potential of producing a dangerous evolution of heat, fire or short circuit are forbidden for transport (e.g. those being returned to the manufacturer for safety reasons).
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44. Another word of caution
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Another word of caution
A183 Waste batteries and batteries being shipped for recycling or disposal are forbidden from air transport unless approved by the appropriate national authority of the State of Origin and the State of the Operator.
STOP
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45. Equipment with batteries?
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Equipment with batteries?
A182 Equipment containing only lithium batteries must be classified as either:
UN 3481
Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment or
UN 3091
Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
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46. ALL batteries and battery-powered equipment
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
ALL batteries and battery-powered equipment
A164 Any electrical battery or battery-powered device, equipment or vehicle having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport so as to prevent:
a short circuit (e.g. in the case of batteries by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals); and
unintentional activation.
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47. Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Vehicles
A185 Vehicles only powered by lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries must be consigned under the entry:
UN 3171, Battery-powered vehicle
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48. There are only FOUR UN numbers for Lithium Batteries
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
There are only FOUR UN numbers for Lithium Batteries
Batteries
UN3480 Lithium ion batteries
UN3090 Lithium metal batteries
If they are packed with equipment, or contained in equipment
UN3481 Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment
UN3091 Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment
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49. AND there are 6 different Packing Instructions (PI’s)
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
AND there are 6 different Packing Instructions (PI’s)
(… and there are subsections in the PI’s!)
UN (Section lA, lB or ll)
UN (Section l or ll)
UN (Section l or ll)
UN3090* 968 (Section lA, lB or ll)
UN (Section l or ll)
UN (Section l or ll)
*As of January 1, 2015 UN3090 will not
be allowed to shipped on PASSENGER AIRCRAFT
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50. So how do we get it RIGHT??? STEP by STEP
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
So how do we get it RIGHT??? STEP by STEP
Step 1: All prechecks done before you begin the process (it will save your client, and you, time and trouble later)
Step 2: Establish
Wh (Watt hours) per cell, or battery OR
g (grams) of Lithium per cell, or battery
Net weight (of contents) per package
Qty of cells or batteries*
GROSS weight of package*
Step 3: Lithium Metal or Lithium Ion?
(n.b. Lithium Polymer included with Li-Ion)
(n.b. Lithium Alloy included with Lithium Metal)
Step 4: Batteries? or in/with equipment?
Step 5: Establish SECTION of PI applicable (see process)
* NOT always required, but if you establish these upfront, you won’t have to go scrambling for the information later
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51. Fill in the Consignment Prep Sheet
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Fill in the Consignment Prep Sheet
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52. First things first … get the details
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
First things first … get the details
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

53. The Practical Application
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The Practical Application
Information is now all gathered
Established now are:
UN Number
Proper Shipping Name (PSN)
Packing Instruction*
*Check all details in the GENERAL section
Establish which SECTION applies
Establish all DGR requirements
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54. The Practical Application A STEP-BY-STEP Process
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The Practical Application A STEP-BY-STEP Process
STEP ONE go to Page 5 GO TO the Packing Instruction (example page indicated)
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55. The Practical Application
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The Practical Application
STEP TWO – determine which section applies
Choose which section:
(example given)
GO TO the page indicated
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56. The Practical Application
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
The Practical Application
STEP THREE – follow the instructions: CHECK
METAL or ION?
Correct Proper Shipping Name
Correct UN Number
Correct Packing Instruction (VARIATIONS?)
Correct Section
IMP CODE
BATTERIES or CELLS?
Max Capacity for type
Check Max Gross/Nett for Aircraft Type
Packing Group for materials
DGD: required or not?
Waybill requirements
Safety Document: required or not?
Checklist: which one to use?
Labelling requirements
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57. Complete the Consignment Prep Sheet
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
Complete the Consignment Prep Sheet
X = not permitted on passenger aircraft after January 1, 2015
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact:

58. For further information and Training
Guidelines for handling Lithium Batteries as Air Cargo
14/04/2017
For further information and Training
Sean Reynolds
Professional Training
Cell
THANK YOU
Important Disclaimer:
Please note: the information contained in this Guide is purely illustrative and does not replace the study of the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations to perform any tasks related to the preparation of shipments containing Lithium Batteries.
Professional Aviation Services does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the content. Professional Aviation Services will not be held responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause.
Intellectual Property of Professional Aviation Services: Author: Sean Reynolds: Contact: