Like any energy storage medium, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if mishandled, so it’s necessary to establish guidelines for their safe transport and storage.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published a guide for the safe handling of lithium batteries on aircraft. The IATA estimates that each year, over a billion lithium batteries are transported by air as mail, cargo or in passenger/crew baggage.

“Lithium batteries are safe to transport provided that they are designed, tested, manufactured and packaged in accordance with the global transport safety standards,” said Kevin Hiatt, IATA’s SVP for Safety and Flight Operations. “This guide was developed with the input of leading industry groups specialized in the area of handling potentially dangerous goods. Whether on passenger or cargo aircraft, operators can now rely on this guide, which will be updated and expanded as needed.”

Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a series of videos on the safe handling of lithium batteries for airline crews and staff.