COMMODITY: Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries, alone without equipment, < 100 kg gross mass; or any quantity packed with or contained in their equipment.
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: International Vessel
OVERVIEW
Alkaline batteries are mostly exempted from the dangerous goods regulations, with provisions that they are packed to prevent short circuit and damage. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code has some differences:
- The IMDG does not apply to alkaline batteries except Ni-MH.
- The IMDG does not apply to Ni-MH batteries packed with or contained in their equipment.
- Less than 100 kg gross, the IMDG only requires Ni-MH batteries to be securely packed and protected from short circuit.
- At equal to or greater than 100 kg gross, Ni-MH batteries without their equipment require a shipping document (IMDG 5.4.1) and must appear in the carrying vessel’s stowage plan.
This transport data sheet is configured for shipments of Ni-MH batteries alone without equipment less than 100 kg gross mass, or any quantity packed with or contained in their equipment.
| PROPER SHIPPING NAME: | Batteries, nickel-metal hydride | LABEL: | No |
| IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: | UN 3496 | PLACARD: | No |
| HAZARD CLASS/DIVISION: | 9 | EMERG. INFO TRANSMISSION: | No |
| PACKING GROUP: | None | TRAINING: | No |
| DOCUMENT: | No | PACKAGING: | Special |
| MARKING: | No |
DANGEROUS GOODS TABLE
CLASSIFICATION
Alkaline batteries, including nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), are mostly not regulated.
Citation: 49 CFR 172.101 HazMat Table, entry for Batteries, dry, sealed, n.o.s.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
The full text of the special provisions follow (certain parts of these may be replicated in other sections of this transport data sheet):
SPECIAL PROVISION 117
Only regulated when transported by sea.
SPECIAL PROVISION 963
Nickel-metal hydride button cells or nickel-metal hydride cells or batteries packed with or contained in equipment are not subject to the provisions of this Code.
All other nickel-metal hydride cells or batteries shall be securely packed and protected from short circuit. They are not subject to other provisions of this Code provided that they are loaded in a cargo transport unit in a total quantity of less than 100 kg gross mass. When loaded in a cargo transport unit in a total quantity of 100 kg gross mass or more, they are not subject to other provisions of this Code except those of 5.4.1, 5.4.3 and columns 16a and 16b of the Dangerous Goods List in chapter 3.2.
Citation: IMDG Chapter 3.3, SP 117 and 963
PACKAGING
Nickel-metal hydride cells or batteries, alone without equipment, shall be securely packed and protected from short circuit.
Also follow the following USA requirements. Batteries and battery-powered device(s) containing batteries must be prepared and packaged for transport in a manner to prevent:
(1) A dangerous evolution of heat;
(2) Short circuits, including but not limited to the following methods:
(i) Packaging each battery or each battery-powered device when practicable, in fully enclosed inner packagings made of non-conductive material;
(ii) Separating or packaging batteries in a manner to prevent contact with other batteries, devices or conductive materials (e.g., metal) in the packagings; or
(iii) Ensuring exposed terminals or connectors are protected with non-conductive caps, non-conductive tape, or by other appropriate means; and
(3) Damage to terminals. If not impact resistant, the outer packaging should not be used as the sole means of protecting the battery terminals from damage or short circuiting. Batteries must be securely cushioned and packed to prevent shifting which could loosen terminal caps or reorient the terminals to produce short circuits. Batteries contained in devices must be securely installed. Terminal protection methods include but are not limited to the following:
(i) Securely attaching covers of sufficient strength to protect the terminals;
(ii) Packaging the battery in a rigid plastic packaging; or
(iii) Constructing the battery with terminals that are recessed or otherwise protected so that the terminals will not be subjected to damage if the package is dropped.
INCIDENT REPORTING
For shipment to/from/through the USA, a written report is required to be submitted, retained, and updated in accordance with §171.16 if a fire, violent rupture, explosion or dangerous evolution of heat occurs as a direct result of a dry battery or battery-powered device.
Citation: 49 CFR 172.102 Special Provision 130
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
There is no requirement for a shipping paper for Ni-MH batteries alone without equipment less than 100 kg gross mass, or for any quantity packed with or contained in their equipment.
CARTON MARKING
There are no mandatory carton marking requirements.
The following illustration shows a sticker available from LabelMaster. There is a scenario for US domestic air transport where this is one of a couple options. This is not recommended for international vessel shipments, but does not need to be removed if present.
TRAINING
None.