Did you know that the Department of Transportation (DOT) deems 95% of all batteries manufactured in the United States hazardous materials? In fact, they are so hazardous that the DOT has put rules and regulations in place for shipping and distributing various types of batteries. If you are in violation of these Hazardous Materials Regulations you could be facing some hefty fines, as well as creating a dangerous situation that could result in a fire.
In the first two parts of our Hazardous Materials series, we discussed what qualifies a material as hazardous and also went into detail about the benefits of self-certifying versus third party packaging solutions. Today, we’re ready to jump into safe battery packaging by defining:
- Which batteries are dangerous,
- The risks of incorrect packaging, and
- How MJS Packaging can provide the best hazardous materials packaging for you.
Which Batteries are Dangerous?
We wish we could tell you there are only a few batteries that are considered dangerous, or at least be able to give a little leeway, but the fact of the matter is that most batteries manufactured today are hazardous. With changes in DOT’s CFR49 governing rules and regulations, shippers can no longer get by under the radar. This makes hazardous materials packaging even more important.
Batteries that are considered hazardous materials shipments include:
- Lead acid batteries
- Lithium ion batteries
- Lithium metal batteries
- Wet cell batteries
- Batteries containing sodium or hydroxides
These batteries are very commonly used in aerospace, automotive, green energy, telecommunications and portable personal electronics. These governing changes affect many industries, so MJS Packaging has worked to ensure we are providing the best packaging solutions possible.
What Are The Risks of Incorrect Packaging?
Packaging batteries for shipment and distribution incorrectly is not to be taken lightly. If batteries are packaged incorrectly, severe liabilities can be expected, such as experiencing external shorts. These shorts cause heat to rise and can eventually lead to a potential fire.
Incorrectly packaged batteries have been known to become flammable, usually causing large transport fires. These fires easily cascade to other nearby materials, which can also ignite. If batteries are being transported via air, the risk is elevated since current airplanes are simply unequipped to extinguish lithium battery fires.
In order to be approved for transport, batteries must pass rigorous testing. Such testing includes:
- Thermal Testing
- Altitude Simulation
- External Short Testing
- Vibration, Impact & Shock Testing
- Forced Discharge & Overcharge Testing
What Solutions Does MJS Packaging Provide?
When transporting and distributing lithium batteries, MJS Packaging’s turnkey solutions help shippers sleep better at night knowing their products are safe to the public and well-within HMR regulations.
Our turnkey services ensure that battery packaging has been thoroughly designed, tested and certified. With a commitment both to our customers and to compliance, MJS Packaging’s solutions include a variety of custom or stock packaging options, all of which are designed, tested, and certified to accommodate a variety of batteries, cell types, and sizes.
We are devoted to providing the right kind of battery packaging that will meet both expectations and safety standards. With over 130 years of learning and leading in the packaging industry, we guarantee that you’ll be able to find the best economical fit for your product.
If you have any questions or concerns, we would love to hear from you. Our expert packaging team is ready to provide you with outstanding customer service, as well as answers to all your questions.
Contact us today!
