Meaning
Logistics safety regulation for the air shipment of lithium metal batteries that are contained within a device. Unlike rechargeable ion cells, metal batteries are primary cells often found in long life sensors and medical instruments. The application of iata pi 970 governs how these non-rechargeable energy sources are packaged to mitigate the risk of fire in a cargo hold.
Safety Specification
Prevention of accidental short circuits is the primary goal of the enclosure design. Because lithium metal is highly reactive, iata pi 970 mandates that the device switch remains in the off position or is protected from being turned on during transit. These measures reduce the possibility of thermal runaway caused by a faulty circuit.
Quantity Allowance
Limits on the grams of lithium per cell determine whether a shipment qualifies for simplified handling. Most implementations of iata pi 970 distinguish between small button cells and larger primary batteries used in industrial equipment. Exceeding these limits forces the shipper to follow more stringent dangerous goods protocols.
Compliance Verification
Ground crews inspect the exterior of the package for damage before loading it onto an aircraft. A violation of iata pi 970 can lead to the grounding of a shipment and the imposition of fines by aviation authorities. The document serves as the standard for international electronics distribution.