DOT Shipping Lithium Batteries
Online Training Certification Course
49 CFR 173.185
From the highest rated and most trusted online training company - since 2008.
This DOT lithium batteries online training course highlights best practices to minimize the risks associated with shipping lithium batteries, such as monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting standards. Topics include the classification of lithium cells and batteries; acceptable packaging materials; proper marking and labeling procedures; size requirements; hazard communication; disposal and recycling methods; and handling damaged, defective, and recalled batteries.
Lithium batteries are an integral component of our increasingly mobile lifestyle. While they power electronics essential to daily life, they also pose safety hazards. The Department of Transportation regulates lithium batteries as hazardous materials under the DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 173.185). This law includes rules designed to eliminate poor handling and backing of lithium batteries.
Per the DOT, shipping lithium batteries requires proper packing, labeling, and handling to reduce the risk of chemical and electrical hazards. Our online certification course in safe shipping training is designed to help you achieve a greater understanding of the rules and regulations in place to ensure the safe shipment of hazmat lithium batteries.
NOTE: If you ship lithium batteries by air you also need our IATA DGR Class 9 course.
This course is for:
According to the DOT, anyone involved in the manufacturing, packaging, preparing, and shipping of lithium batteries must receive comprehensive safety training. No employee who handles or ships lithium batteries may do so prior to meeting training requirements unless under the direct supervision of trained personnel during the initial training period.
Case Study: In December 2017, a package of improperly disposed of lithium batteries caused a small explosion aboard a garbage truck in New York City. Sanitation workers threw a small box that was duct-taped together into the back of the truck and then began the process of crushing the discarded products. As the compactor bore down on the box, an explosion occurred, igniting the box and causing a fire. Luckily, the workers were able to reverse the compacting process and retrieve the smoldering item, which they threw into a nearby puddle to extinguish the fire.
Key Takeaway: Disposing of lithium batteries improperly-without federally required packing materials-can cause hazards to drivers transporting the batteries, as well as individuals in the vicinity.
Available languages: 100+ languages - translation provided by Google Translate (Select Language bottom of page)
Governing Regulations
Regulations for shipping lithium cells and batteries are found in 49 CFR 173.185. Lithium batteries must meet all applicable HMR requirements when transported by air, railway, water, or highway.
What You'll Learn
- About This Course
- Course Objectives
- Introduction to DOT Shipping Lithium Batteries Safety Training
- Governing Authorities
- Lithium Batteries - History
- Key Terms
- Purpose of the Law
- Recent Updates to the Regulations
- Battery Testing and Criteria
- Requirements of Part III, Sub-section 38.3
- Manufacturer Responsibilities
- Testing Summary
- Lithium Cell and Battery Requirements
- Packaging
- Avoiding Short Circuits
- Avoiding Movement of Batteries within the Packaging
- Marking and Labeling
- Packaging Requirements Based on Size
- Size Definitions
- Small Lithium Batteries
- Medium Lithium Batteries
- Fully Regulated Lithium Batteries
- Exceptions for Smaller Cells
- Size Limitations
- Extended Maximum Sizes
- Packaging, Marking, and Documentation
- Packaging
- Marking
- Documentation
- Shipping for Disposal or Recycling
- Motor Vehicle Transportation Exceptions
- Low Production Runs and Prototypes
- Testing and Record-keeping Exceptions
- Damaged, Defective, and Recalled Batteries
- Transportation Stipulations
- Additional Resources
- Summary
- Exam
It will take a MINIMUM of 2 hours to complete this online course. The student may log on and off as needed. A bookmark will be set so when they log back in they will return to where they left off.
We have no restrictions on how long a person takes to complete a course. Likewise, if you are purchasing for others, we have no time limit on assigning courses, so you can purchase a larger quantity than you currently need and take advantage of volume discounts.
The DOT's HAZMAT shipping regulations require personnel to complete refresher training at least every three years. However, when shipping by air, recertification is required every 24 months to satisfy IATA regulations.
Each student will receive 0.2 CEUs (or 2 CMEs) from Compliance Training Online® for completing this course.
Mario C
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThe course was concise, useful, and explanatory of the needed information and training for handling and shipping lithium batteries.
Johnathon R
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesGood course with a lot of good information.
Warren D
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesTraining was good and complete with the ability to go that your own pace. would be nice if course included filling out the dangerous good paperwork
Taylor M
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThis was a very entertaining and learning experience! Best two hours i've had in a while!
Lionel S
DOT Shipping Lithium Batteriescourse was good training experience.
Junell H
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesIt was well explained and understandable listening and reading helps a lot to remember.
Paul A
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesGreat course, and thank you for the knowledge.
Leo V
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThis was quite helpful and i would of enjoyed a video as well .
Isabel E
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesI study sheet would be nice to highlights key point for the exam.
Jerson T
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesREALLY HELPFUL
Michael M
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesI actually learned a lot. It was interesting as well.
James S
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThank you
Patrick M
DOT Shipping Lithium Batteriesgreat course!!!
Kenny P
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesWell written and very thorough. Thanks
Jeremy S
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesGreat class. Incredibly helpful. Recommend to all shippers.
Clarence B
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesVery informative.
Emily E
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesVery thorough class.
Justin M
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesVery good, I feel I have an excellent handle on the subject matter.
Leslie F
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThe course was very helpful and easy to follow.
Michael L
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesExcellent course. Easy to follow with good reference material provided for use in everyday activities.
Steven R
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesThe course was very thorough and well explained
Evelynn B
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesVery informative.
Deborah W
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesI appreciate the audio and reading combination. The pace is good. I only ship large (fully regulated) mobility lithium ion batteries (like for wheel chair power supply), so the small and medium battery details are not relevant for me. Thank you!
Dean H
DOT Shipping Lithium BatteriesMust learn to think like the person who wrote the manual. Technical, direct, repetitive, thorough. Easy to do if you can adapt to that!!
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