P903 – Transport and Packaging

For the purpose of this packing instruction, “equipment” means apparatus for which the lithium cells or batteries will provide electrical power for its operation. The following packagings are authorized provided that the general provisions of 4.1.1 and 4.1.3 are met:

• (1) For cells and batteries:

Drums (1A2, 1B2, 1N2, 1H2, 1D, 1G);

Boxes (4A, 4B, 4N, 4C1, 4C2, 4D, 4F, 4G, 4H1, 4H2); Jerricans (3A2, 3B2, 3H2).

Jerricans (3A2, 3B2, 3H2).

Cells or batteries shall be packed in packagings so that the cells or batteries are protected against damage that may be caused by the movement or placement of the cells or batteries within the packaging.

Packagings shall conform to the packing group II performance level.

• (2) In addition for cells or batteries with a gross mass of 12 kg or more employing a strong, impact resistant outer casing, and assemblies of such cells or batteries:
  • (a) Strong outer packagings;
  • (b) Protective enclosures (e.g., fully enclosed or wooden slatted crates); or
  • (c) Pallets or other handling devices.

Cells or batteries shall be secured to prevent inadvertent movement, and the terminals shall not support the weight of other superimposed elements.

Packagings need not meet the requirements of 4.1.1.3. Equipment may also be offered for transport unpackaged or on pallets when the cells or batteries are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained.

• (3) For cells or batteries packed with equipment:

Packagings conforming to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this packing instruction, then placed with the equipment in an outer packaging; or

Packagings that completely enclose the cells or batteries, then placed with equipment in a packaging conforming to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this packing instruction.

The equipment shall be secured against movement within the outer packaging.

• (4) For cells or batteries contained in equipment:

Strong outer packagings constructed of suitable material, and of adequate strength and design in relation to the packaging capacity and its intended use. They shall be constructed in such a manner as to prevent accidental operation during transport. Packagings need not meet the requirements of 4.1.1.3. Equipment may also be offered for transport unpackaged or on pallets when the cells or batteries are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained.

Large equipment can be offered for transport unpackaged or on pallets when the cells or batteries are afforded equivalent protection by the equipment in which they are contained.

Devices such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, watches and temperature loggers, which are not capable of generating a dangerous evolution of heat, may be transported when intentionally active in strong outer packagings. When active, these devices shall meet defined standards for electromagnetic radiation to ensure that the operation of the device does not interfere with aircraft systems.

• (5) For packagings containing both cells or batteries packed with equipment and contained in equipment:

(a) For cells and batteries, packagings that completely enclose the cells or batteries, then placed with equipment in a packaging conforming to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this packing instruction; or (b) Packagings conforming to the requirements in paragraph (1) of this packing instruction, then placed with the equipment in a strong outer packaging constructed of suitable material, and of adequate strength and design in relation to the packaging capacity and its intended use. The outer packaging shall be constructed in such a manner as to prevent accidental operation during transport and need not meet the requirements of 4.1.1.3. The equipment shall be secured against movement within the outer packaging. Devices such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, watches and temperature loggers, which are not capable of generating a dangerous evolution of heat, may be transported when intentionally active in strong outer packagings. When active, these devices shall meet defined standards for electromagnetic radiation to ensure that the operation of the devices does not interfere with aircraft systems.

Additional requirement:

Cells or batteries shall be protected against short circuit.