Both the domestic hazardous materials transportation regulations and international rules for shipping batteries have undergone significant changes over the past two years, notes Lion Technology Inc. Many batteries that were previously unregulated or under-regulated must now be thoroughly evaluated to determine hazard potential. Detailed packaging and communication standards must be followed to the letter.

Adding complexity to the issue is the fact that shipping requirements vary greatly, depending on the mode of transport and the type of battery. Assuring that all workers know the specific rules they must follow when shipping batteries is a great challenge for many industries, notes Lion, which provides training in hazardous materials regulations. Battery shipping regulations affect a wide array of industries from manufacturers and part suppliers to freight forwarders and distributors.

Lion Technology has begun offering a series of live Web seminars to help ensure that battery shippers understand their new regulatory obligations. The seminars cover regulations for lithium batteries, wet- and dry-cell batteries, non-spillable batteries, and batteries shipped in equipment. www.lion.com/battery