To the surprise of absolutely no one, lithium batteries became a primary focus of the 2021 Dangerous Goods Symposium as it moved into its second week. Two key sessions focused exclusively on battery-related regulations and issues, and the topic came up in others as well. Here are the recordings of those two sessions, which you…
Lithium batteries will be everywhere this summer! Are we worried?
Most normal people greet spring and summer with unbridled joy—and this year, with public life re-opening after a year of pandemic precautions, people are excited for warmer weather like never before. Dangerous Goods pros feel that enthusiasm, too. But we’re also prone to see summer approaching and say Holy shipment! There are lithium batteries freaking…
Top 10 Dangerous Goods questions our hotline experts answer every day.
Whether you’ve been shipping Dangerous Goods for 10 days or 10 years, there’s never any shame in admitting you don’t know the answer to a question. That’s why we set up the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline. Next time you have a question about hazmat transport, you can call 1.800.621.5808—8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time, Monday…
Who’s charged up? It’s Lithium Battery Week at the 2020 DG Symposium!
Over the years, the most popular day of the Dangerous Goods Symposium has been Lithium Battery Day. Everyone’s favorite Class 9 Miscellaneous material always seems to make the most news, stir up the most controversy and inspire the most teeth-gnashing. This year, with the Symposium taking place virtually at the new DG Exchange, we were…
Why the new lithium battery test summary rules are nothing to stress out about
On January 1, 2020, a new regulation goes into effect that will impact every organization that manufactures or distributes lithium batteries and/or the equipment they power. These companies will be required to share information, known as a “test summary,” that proves their batteries meet the testing standards as defined in sub-section 38.3 of the UN…
Shipping lithium batteries by mail: 3 things you must know
If you’re in the hazmat business, you’re no stranger to Publication 52 from the United States Postal Service. Affectionately referred to as “Pub 52,” this public document (a.k.a. “Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail“) outlines the do’s and don’ts for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods via the U.S. mail. One of the thorniest topics in…
Getting You Ready — New Lithium Battery Marks and Labels are Mandatory on January 1st
As 2019 quickly approaches, lithium battery shippers need to be aware of the mandatory label changes that become effective on January 1st. For almost 2 years shippers of small (excepted) batteries and battery-powered devices have had the option to use either the lithium battery handling “Caution” label or the lithium battery mark while operating under…
What device manufacturers can learn from the failure of Bluesmart
Why device manufacturers must build compliance into their R&D When your product runs on lithium batteries, it isn’t enough to comply with current regulations. Your survival may depend on how well you anticipate future restrictions. Bluesmart learned that lesson the hard way. Earlier this month, the maker of “smart” luggage had to shut down due…
7 new lithium battery technologies; 0 new regulations
Considering the sheer impact of lithium batteries and the devices they power on today’s global economy, any new wrinkle in the regulations governing lithium battery transport creates aftershocks among: Battery manufacturers Device manufacturers Airlines and freight carriers E-commerce retailers Product recall managers Third-party logistics companies Hazmat trainers And anyone who owns a cell phone, laptop,…
DG Digest: IATA to Explore New Limits on Some Lithium Battery Shipments and the FBI Issues IRC under The Bioterrorism Act
As busy holiday preparations overtake most of the country—have you finished YOUR shopping?—the regulatory scene remains relatively quiet in terms of “heavy hitters,” although quite a few items of interest certainly did pop up this week. Perhaps the recently concluded UN meetings in Geneva will lead to increased action in the new year—if so, we’ll…
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