Category: Blogs

  • Are You Ready for IFC Section 320? Lithium Battery Storage Rules Are Coming Fast

    Are You Ready for IFC Section 320? Lithium Battery Storage Rules Are Coming Fast

    Article Summary The Complete Guide to Lithium Battery Storage Compliance Under the 2024 International Fire Code Lithium-ion battery storage in the United States is moving toward a more unified standard—but until adoption is complete, businesses face a patchwork of local and state rules. This variability creates challenges for facilities storing large battery inventories, especially as…

  • GHS vs. DOT: Why Classifications Don’t Always Match

    GHS vs. DOT: Why Classifications Don’t Always Match

    Article Summary The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was designed to bring consistency to how chemicals are classified and labeled worldwide. So why, even with GHS, do OSHA and DOT classifications still differ? Different Purposes, Different Rules OSHA focuses on workplace safety—both chronic and acute hazards. DOT focuses on transportation…

  • Is This a Hazardous Material? Asking the Right Questions

    Is This a Hazardous Material? Asking the Right Questions

    Article Summary It’s amazing how quickly a simple compliance question can snowball. One moment, everything feels under control. The next, you’re knee-deep in regulations you didn’t even know applied to you. Often, it starts with an innocent question from a customer or carrier: “Is this a hazardous material?” On the surface, it sounds straightforward. But…

  • The New SAE G-27 Packaging Standard and Beyond

    The New SAE G-27 Packaging Standard and Beyond

    Article Summary In late 2024, a significant milestone was reached in the world of battery transport safety: the approval of the first SAE G27 packaging standard. While this approval marks a promising step forward, it’s important to understand the nuances of what this standard entails and what challenges still remain for the committee to address.…

  • How Dangerous Goods Regulations Are Made—and Why the UN Still Leads the Way

    How Dangerous Goods Regulations Are Made—and Why the UN Still Leads the Way

    Article Summary When it comes to regulating the transport of hazardous materials, the foundation starts at the international level. The best place to understand the process is with the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods—a long-standing body that plays a central role in shaping how dangerous goods are classified, packaged,…

  • What Clients Don’t Know Can Hurt Them in Dangerous Goods Compliance

    What Clients Don’t Know Can Hurt Them in Dangerous Goods Compliance

    Article Summary When it comes to dangerous goods compliance, many organizations don’t know where their real risks lie—until something goes wrong. That’s where hazmat consultants like Mike Pagel, Sr. HazMat Consultant at HazMat Safety Consulting,  step in, helping clients identify gaps and build safer, more compliant operations. But as Pagel explains, it’s not always a…

  • What Insurance Providers Need to Know About Lithium Battery Risks in Storage and Shipping

    What Insurance Providers Need to Know About Lithium Battery Risks in Storage and Shipping

    Article Summary As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to expand across industries—from consumer electronics to electric vehicles to data centers—the insurance industry is facing a growing set of challenges. Businesses that manufacture, store, or ship lithium batteries are not just navigating complex hazardous materials regulations. They’re also working under the scrutiny of insurers who…

  • How to Secure a DOT Emergency Special Permit Quickly and Effectively

    How to Secure a DOT Emergency Special Permit Quickly and Effectively

    Article Summary When hazardous materials (hazmat) compliance issues arise, companies need regulatory exceptions fast. Specifically, they may need a Department of Transportation (DOT) special permit processed on an expedited basis. But what does that really mean, and how do you actually get one approved quickly? Ryan Paquet, a former Director of Approvals and Permits at…

  • The Value of Integrated Expertise in Lithium Battery Packaging and Transport

    The Value of Integrated Expertise in Lithium Battery Packaging and Transport

    Article Summary Featuring insights from Chris Egloff, Vice President of Strategic Opportunities, Americase In the world of lithium battery logistics, safety is paramount and compliance can be complex. Successfully navigating this landscape demands coordinated expertise across engineering, regulations, logistics, and safety testing. Understanding how cross-disciplinary collaboration enhances packaging design and performance can help organizations better…

  • From Recall to Road-Ready: What It Takes to Respond Quickly to Lithium Battery Packaging Needs

    From Recall to Road-Ready: What It Takes to Respond Quickly to Lithium Battery Packaging Needs

    Article Summary Featuring insights from Chris Egloff, Vice President of Strategic Opportunities, Americase Lithium-ion batteries are a mainstay in today’s technology—powering everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. While inherently safe, they can carry potential risks when damaged, misused, or defective. In such cases, the need to transport or store these batteries safely becomes ever…

  • What’s Next for Lithium-Ion Battery Transport Regulations?

    What’s Next for Lithium-Ion Battery Transport Regulations?

    Article Summary The recent release of the SAE G27 lithium battery packaging standard marks a significant step toward safer battery transport. However, this is just the beginning. The question now is: What’s next for lithium battery transport regulations? In this article, we’ll explore the future of these regulations, upcoming industry changes, and how businesses can…

  • Understanding Thermal Runaway and Lithium-Ion Battery Transport Risks

    Understanding Thermal Runaway and Lithium-Ion Battery Transport Risks

    Article Summary Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized technology, powering everything from computers and smartphones to power tools and electric vehicles. However, if damaged or misused, these energy-dense cells can pose significant safety risks, particularly during transport. One of the biggest concerns is thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can lead to fires, explosions, and hazardous gas…