UNITED

NATIONS	ST

Secretariat	Distr.

GENERAL

ST/SG/AC.10/1998/24

22 September 1998

Original: ENGLISH
COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE

TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS

(Twentieth session,

Geneva, 7-16 December l998,

agenda item 5 (b))

PROGRAMME OF WORK

Programme of work for the 1999/2000 biennium and related proposals

Revision of provisions on Lithium Batteries

Transmitted by the Expert from Japan

1.	Since lithium batteries were produced in Japan in 1991, there has been rapid increase in demand and volume transport. Recently, large size lithium batteries, based on lithium ion and polymer technology, have also been developed as a power for electric road vehicles. Some of these batteries are partly used practically.

In view of the increase of transport of the large size lithium batteries, the Sub-Committee, at its fifteenth session, adopted amendment to the Manual of Tests and Criteria for lithium batteries (ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/30, para. 81-87). The amendments can be regarded as suitable in that the provisions on lithium ion and polymer batteries are clearly specified in the Regulations.

2.	However, the Expert from Japan thinks it is necessary to further consider the following points based on the inherent difference of characteristics between conventional and newly developed batteries, as well as the definition of large or small batteries:

(1)	To clarify the difference of hazardous characteristics between metallic lithium batteries and lithium ion / polymer batteries;

(2)	To develop a method of classification of batteries based on their hazardous characteristics;

GE.98-

(3)	To develop a suitable test of evaluation of hazardous properties which simulate transport conditions.

3.	Since Japan is now studying the above points, if there is support for the above principle, then concrete proposals will be made for forthcoming sessions of the Sub-Committee. Consequently, Japan proposes that this item be included in the programme of work for the next biennium.

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