Which UN numbers identify lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries?

Study for the IATA Packing and Shipping Dangerous Goods Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Which UN numbers identify lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries?

Explanation:
UN numbers label dangerous goods in transit and tell you exactly what kind of battery you’re dealing with, so packing, labeling, and handling rules fit the chemistry. For lithium batteries, there are two main categories: lithium metal and lithium ion. Lithium metal batteries are assigned UN 3090 for standalone shipments, and UN 3091 when they’re contained in equipment or shipped with equipment. Lithium ion batteries carry UN 3480 for standalone shipments, and UN 3481 when contained in equipment or packed with equipment. This distinction is why these numbers identify lithium batteries. The other numbers correspond to different chemistries (nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, alkaline), so they don’t apply to lithium batteries.

UN numbers label dangerous goods in transit and tell you exactly what kind of battery you’re dealing with, so packing, labeling, and handling rules fit the chemistry. For lithium batteries, there are two main categories: lithium metal and lithium ion. Lithium metal batteries are assigned UN 3090 for standalone shipments, and UN 3091 when they’re contained in equipment or shipped with equipment. Lithium ion batteries carry UN 3480 for standalone shipments, and UN 3481 when contained in equipment or packed with equipment. This distinction is why these numbers identify lithium batteries. The other numbers correspond to different chemistries (nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, alkaline), so they don’t apply to lithium batteries.

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