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Amendments and changes to the IATA Dangerous Goods (by air) Regulations will be implemented as of 1st January 2009, and there are a number of changes that could have an impact on consignments that are temperature monitored.
Temperature monitors and data loggers are generally powered by lithium batteries or cells, and there are a number of changes to the regulations covering lithium batteries that could cause shippers some confusion and additional work.
The changes are briefly summarised below (although the full IATA text must be referenced for definitive guidance):
- Special Provision A45 has been removed. This SP essentially exempted lithium batteries in equipment (i.e. temperature monitors) from the main provisions of the IATA regulations.
- Lithium powered temperature monitors can now be classified as one of the following:
o UN3091 Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment (incl. lithium alloy batteries)
o UN3481 Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment (incl. lithium polymer batteries
- A number of new packing instructions have been created to cover lithium batteries (including those contained within equipment such as temperature monitors), which means that there are now more restrictive limits on the amount of lithium within a battery or cell, and the number of cells / batteries that can be placed within a package.
- Those consignments that fall within certain limits outlined in the new Packing Instructions will not be subject to other additional requirements of the regulations.
- For those consignments that exceed limits outlined in the Packing Instruction, there may be additional labeling and documentary requirements (e.g. a new lithium battery label has been created).
Biocair can provide temperature monitors as part of our service and have full details on the components within the monitors we use, however, this is not the case for those clients that may choose to provide their own monitors or data loggers within a package. In order to ensure that the consignments we handle on behalf of our clients are moved safely and legally, we must now ask a number of questions about the monitors that may be used:
- Does your monitor or logger contain lithium batteries or cells?
- Are you able to give us the details of the monitor / logger manufacturer so that we can ask them specific questions about the batteries used?
- For lithium metal / lithium alloy what is the lithium content in the cell / battery?
- How many batteries / cells are in each monitor or logger?How many monitors or loggers will be placed in each package?
Biocair will make every effort to ensure that consignments are not delayed because of these new requirements, however it is imperative that we can confirm specific details about the monitors or loggers used such that all consignments are moved safely and legally. |
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