Q: Can I ship my Bridge analyzer via air transport?
A: Yes, you can. The appropriate governing bodies that deal with transportation issues permit air shipment of devices such as our analyzers that contain Nickel-metal hydride batteries.
At Bridge Analyzers our analyzers are powered by batteries, and those batteries are Nickel-metal hydride batteries (nimh batteries).
Recently our customers have asked us some questions regarding shipping regulations for this type of battery. We are writing this article as a way of quelling our customers concerns about this.
In short, you can ship your Bridge analyzer with its Nickel-metal hydride batteries. Below, we will go over some history and details of why you are now able to do this with peace of mind.
About Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries (UN 3496) were included in the 55th edition of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) to ensure that the list of dangerous goods was “complete” and aligned with the UN Model Regulations. Some of the confusion our customers may have probably stems from this addition of UN 3496 to the DGR. While this UN Number (UN 3496) regarding Nickel-metal hydride batteries is included in the DGR it is only in effect during sea transport. It is not effective for air transport.
Shipping nimh Batteries by Air
Nickel-metal hydride batteries (UN 3496) may be shipped by air transport. The batteries are considered not restricted once the shipper complies with Special Provision A199. This may involve the freight forwarder correctly indicating the required text on the air waybill, when an air waybill is used. The UN Number “UN 3496” is not a UN Number used in air transport and should not be used in association with the description of the goods.
The IATA understands that there is some confusion with the mention of “forbidden” against the limited quantity entry for UN 3496, but the special provision makes clear that the entry is only used in sea transport.
Special Provision A199
The UN number UN 3496 is only applicable in sea transport. Nickel-metal hydride batteries or nickel-metal hydride battery-powered devices, equipment or vehicles having the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat are not subject to these Regulations provided they are prepared for transport so as to prevent:
(a) a short circuit (e.g. in the case of batteries, by the effective insulation of exposed terminals; or, in the case of equipment, by disconnection of the battery and protection of exposed terminals); and
(b) unintentional activation. The words “Not Restricted” and the Special Provision number must be included in the description of the substance on the Air Waybill as required by 8.2.6, when an Air Waybill is issued.
To meet the requirements of Special Provision A199 we have designed a built in thermal cut-out in the battery packs that run our analyzers.
In conclusion, you can ship your analyzer back to us for service and maintenance with no worries as to the safety or legality of doing so.
Happy shipping and receiving.