Guidelines issued on lithium-ion battery risk

Together with its partners the Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) has issued the first in a series of on-going publications, ‘Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines (101.A)’ covering the properties of these batteries and their potential to explode.

“Our guidelines will create greater awareness of the possibilities of the damaging and life-threatening incidents, which have already occurred, and instil more urgent motivation to act before more catastrophic disasters result,” said Dirk Van de Velde, deputy chair of CINS and a board member of the association of cargo handlers, ICHCA.

The first paper will provide a general overview of the dangers and will be followed by three additional documents on regulatory check lists, risk assessment and emergency response, and training and awareness.

TT Club has previously joined forces with UK P&I Club and scientific consultants, Brookes Bell, to issue a whitepaper on the risks posed by these batteries.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, risk management director at TT Club added, “As the pressure on all forms of economic activity for decarbonisation increases, the use of these batteries will inevitably escalate at rates we have previously not experienced.

“Air transport has been heavily restricted already and it is clear that surface modes will be called upon to transport these goods. More actors other than shipping lines, be they manufacturers, packers, forwarders, logistics operators, warehouses and cargo handlers must all be cognisant of the safety issues we are addressing and play their part in ensuring the risks are properly managed.”