Meaning
International transport regulation governs the packaging and shipment of damaged, defective, or non-compliant lithium-ion batteries. Compliance with packing instruction p908 is mandatory when transporting cells or batteries that are prone to rapid disassembly, dangerous reaction, or producing a flame. The standard applies to shipments carried by road, rail, and sea under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
It defines the specific containers and cushioning materials required to prevent hazardous incidents.
Technical Requirement
Outer packagings must be constructed from durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or rigid plastics and meet the performance level of packing group I. Each cell or battery must be individually wrapped in a non-combustible and non-conductive thermal insulation material to prevent the spread of heat. The surrounding space inside the container must be filled with an inert, absorbent cushioning material that can contain any released electrolyte. This multi-layered design ensures that even a thermal runaway event is contained within the package.
Safety Focus
Preventing the propagation of thermal runaway between batteries and the outer environment is the primary goal of these design controls. The insulation must withstand extreme temperatures and prevent the outer surface of the packaging from exceeding seventy degrees Celsius. This protection is necessary to safeguard transport workers and prevent fires during transit.
Practical Application
Logistics providers must verify the certification of the packaging before accepting any damaged lithium batteries for transport.