# Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation **Citation:** 08-0236 **Type / status:** guidance / guidance **Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration **Effective:** Not stated **Published:** 2008-10-31 08-0236 response to Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. concerning 173.185. ## Document text <<>> U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Mr. Colin P. Carroll Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. 1 17 North Henry Street Alexandria, VA 223 14-2903 Ref. No. 08-0236 Dear Mr. Greene: This responds to your letter dated October 1, 2008 concerning the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 17 1-1 80) to offerors of small lithium cells and batteries. Specifically, you seek clarification of the training requirements and gross weight limitations outlined in Part 172. Lithium cells and batteries, including cells and batteries packed with or contained in equipment, that meet the requirements of Special Provision (SP) 188 are not subject to any other requirements of the HMR. Therefore, persons who ship small lithium cells and batteries under the provisions of SP 188 are not subject to the formal training requirements of Subpart H in Part 172 or the aircraft quantity limitations outlined in 5 172.102, Special Provisions A 100, A 10 1, A 103 and A 104. A person who offers small lithium cells and batteries for transportation under SP 188 must ensure that the cells or batteries comply with each of the requirements of SP 188. I hope this satisfies your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely, 0- dfik Susan Gorsky Acting Chief, Standards Development Office of Hazardous Materials Standards <<>> Colin P. Carroll Admitted in Massachusetts J Obadal, Filler, 3 17Z.102 sPl8ti: MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C. 3l75.10 117 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 223 14-2903 &fL*'y Telephone 703.299.0784 Fax 703.299.0254 www.potomac-1aw.com OS-OZ% Electronic Mail colin@potomac-law.com October 1, 2008 VIA E-MAIL TO: kevin.lean/@dot.qov Kevin Leary Transportation Regulations Specialist U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Hazardous Materials Standards 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Small, Secondary Lithium-ion Battery Special Provision 188 Dear Mr. Leary: Thank you for taking the time to talk with me regarding the application of Title 49 CFR § 172.102(c)(l), Special Provision 188 (SP 188). As we discussed, I am writing to ask for an interpretation of SP 188 as it applies to the Special Provisions covering transport of lithium batteries by aircraft and the hazardous material training requirements of 49 CFR part 172, subpart H. For small, secondary lithium-ion batteries and cells, SP 188 states that: Lithium cells or batteries, including cells or batteries packed with or contained in equipment, are not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter if they meet all of the following (emphasis added): b. . . .For a lithium-ion cell, the equivalent lithium content is not more than 1.5 g; c. . . .For a lithium-ion battery, the aggregate equivalent lithium content is not more than 8 g; d. Effective October I , 2009, the cell or battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (IBR; see $1 71.7 of this subchapter); e. Cells or batteries are separated so as to prevent short circuits and are packed in a strong outer packaging or are contained in equipment.. .. <<>> Mr. Kevin Leary October 1,2008 Page 2 RE: Small, Secondary Lithium-ion Battery Special Provision 188 f. Effective October 1, 2008, except when contained in equipment, each package containing more than 24 lithium cells or 12 lithium batteries must be: (1) Marked to indicate that it contains lithium batteries, and special procedures should be followed in the event that the package is damaged; (2) Accompanied by a document indicating that the package contains lithium batteries and special procedures should be followed in the event that the package is damaged; (3) Capable of withstanding a 1.2 meter drop test in any orientation without damage to cells or batteries contained in the package, without shifting of the contents that would allow short circuiting and without release of package contents; and (4) Gross weight of the package may not exceed 30 kg (66 pounds). This requirement does not apply to lithium cells or batteries packed with equipment.. .. g. Electrical devices must conform to 5 1 73.2 1 of this subchapter; and h. Lithium batteries or cells are not authorized aboard an aircraft in checked or carry-on luggage except as provided in 5 1 75.10. From the plain language of the regulation, it is my understanding that a shipment of small, secondary lithium-ion batteries meeting the requirements of SP 188 is otherwise excepted from all other provisions of Title 49 CFR, subchapter C, Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). Specifically, such shipments would be excluded from Special Provision A54 (noting the 35 kilograrr~ limit on cargo aircraft, unless a higher amount is approved by the Administrator, which conflicts with the 30 kilogram gross weight limit of SP 188), as well as SPs A100, A103 and Al04, which limit the quantity of secondary lithium batteries transported aboard passenger carrying aircraft to a gross weight of five (5) kilograms. Likewise, any person that transports or causes the transport of SP 188 compliant small, secondary lithium-ion batteries in commerce, including performing pre-transportation functions and/or loading or unloading is also excepted from all other provisions of the HIVIRs. This includes the training requirements imposed on hazardous material employers under 49 CFR part 172, subpart H. <<>> Mr. Kevin Leary October 1, 2008 Page 3 RE: Small, Secondary Lithium-ion Battery Special Provision 188 Therefore, I am requesting an interpretation from your office confirming this reading on the scope of SP 188, i.e., that compliance with that SP is all that is necessary to comply fully with the HIVIRs. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards, Colin P. Carroll ## Provenance - Official: Yes - Source: - Source ID: `phmsa` - SHA-256: `17f1f3f176b5f6d70886eab017143c3a267b70bf9fe16d70beb6284578883ac7` - Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z - Exported: 2026-08-23T13:52:16.124Z - Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-08-0236` ### Source metadata ```json { "materialSubtype": "interpretation", "interpretationArea": "hazardous_materials", "representation": "full_text_from_official_pdf", "companies": [ "Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C." ], "individuals": [ "Mr. Colin P. 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