Lithium Batteries are found in almost every electronic device that we use today; from watches, to cell phones to tablets.
Even larger items such as electric wheelchairs and chainsaws utilise the power of these batteries to operate.
As varied as the types of the items are that contain Lithium Batteries, so are the groups that interact with them.
The importance of knowing the rules about Lithium batteries
The safe transport of lithium batteries by air is a responsibility that is carried by all people that use this technology. It is important that the passenger who brings a laptop computer on board to complete work and the supplier of goods that will be transported on the aircraft know what regulations apply to them. The freight forwarder who accepts consignments needs to know what to look out for when accepting consignments and what may and may not be transported. The ramp handling agent and airline operator who will pack the plane and transport the goods, need to know how to do this safely.
Everybody needs to know how the regulations for Lithium Batteries applies to them, so that everyone can work together to ensure that this ubiquitous commodity is transported safely around the world.
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (57th Edition) details the packing instructions for the transport of the different types of batteries. Specific Freight forwarders and other entities have also developed their own guidance material based on these regulations. There are a wide number of resources that are available, so no one should miss out on the knowledge that is needed.
