Insurers caution about NiMH batteries

Insurers caution about NiMH batteries    The U.K. Protection and Indemnity Club and TT Club are drawing attention to potential hazards when transporting nickel metal hydride batteries on containerships.
   A bulletin issued by the insurers and prepared with help of consultant Chris Foster of J H Burgoyne & Partners LLP, said: “In recent years there have been a number of fires and explosions that have originated in packages of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries transported in standard container units.” It notes the rechargeable batteries leave the factory partly charged.
   The article said the cause of the fires is the subject of debate and investigation with manufacturing defects, packaging, and damage being cited as possibly facilitating short circuits.
   The article notes that Germany submitted a proposal in 2007 to the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code be amended to call for NiMH batteries be stored in a cool place not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius after an investigation concluded a fire resulted from a container being stowed close to a heated settling tank.
   The insurers advise carriers to require shippers to declare consignments and “exercise prudence in deciding where to stow the container. One option would be to stow the container above deck in an accessible location, but shielded from the sun.”