Allianz will now publish a new series of bulletins to assist stakeholders with risk mitigation and loss prevention measures for emerging risks. A recent bulletin, issued in October, focuses on Lithium-ion batteries and their association hazards.
Allianz presents many cases to highlight lessons learned from many sectors where Lithium-ion batteries have resulted in accidents. For the maritime sector, Allianz refers to the following case:
The incident
An intermodal freight container reportedly loaded with computer parts was being transported by highway from Raleigh, North Carolina to the Port of Virginia in the US for loading to a container vessel for transport to a port in China. The cargo caught fire on the highway while in transit resulting in the loss of the cargo and significant damage to the intermodal freight container.
The responding fire department determined that the heat produced from the fire burned hot enough to burn a hole through the metal container’s structure. A subsequent investigation determined the actual cargo was illegally loaded discarded lithium batteries, not computer parts. This misdeclared/undeclared shipment put first responders at risk, and could have been potentially catastrophic if the freight container had been loaded to the vessel prior to catching fire. A probable cause was residual charge remaining in improperly-prepared undeclared lithium batteries.
Allianz Risk Consulting Risk Mitigation and Loss Prevention Measures
a. Employee hazmat training
b. Proper packaging of the hazmat (new, used, or recycled lithium (all types) batteries)
c. Proper markings, labels, and placarding
d. Proper declarations and certifications.
#2 Transport Li-ion batteries at a maximum SOC (state of charge) of 30%, unless otherwise approved.
#3 Dropped, or otherwise damaged packaging of Li-ion batteries should not be transported.
#4 Properly handle, store, and transport Li-ion batteries in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and in compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
#5 When applicable, ensure pre-emergency contingency plans are developed and shared with local first responders for Li-ion batteries in temporary storage, as part of their transportation.
