Regulations for transporting lithium batteries on highways vary

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) — Two semi-trucks carrying lithium batteries have caught fire in two months.

Both have resulted in the closure of sections of major highways. The first caused traffic chaos on I-15 in late July. The second has currently closed a section of US-95 with no word on when it will reopen.

The regulation of the transport of lithium batteries is not simple.

Transporting lithium batteries involves many operations and they are regulated as hazardous materials by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT) said regulations require lithium batteries to pass design tests before they can be put on the road. The manufacturer must then prepare a report on the tests.

There are a number of guidelines on how to transport lithium batteries on roads and highways, but it depends on their size and power.

FOX5 is working to determine the size and power of the batteries involved in either semi-truck fire.

One of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s regulations requires that each battery be individually placed in a nonmetallic package. Some images in the agency’s Lithium Battery Guide for Shippers show bubble wrap. Then, the individually wrapped batteries are placed in another package made of a sturdy material like metal, wood, or plywood. The number of individually wrapped batteries that can be placed in this larger package also depends on size and wattage.

Laws change when transporting a product that already contains a lithium battery, such as a computer. There are different regulations for transporting damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries.

When it comes to battery disposal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says lithium batteries should not be thrown into your household trash. You’ll need to take them to designated recycling centers. Some electronics and hardware stores like Best Buy or Home Depot will take them away for you, but call your store first to make sure they do.