P911 – Packing Instruction for Damaged or Defective Lithium Batteries
What is P911?
P911 is a dangerous goods packing instruction used for the transportation of damaged or defective lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries that present an increased risk of thermal runaway, fire, or dangerous heat generation.
It establishes specific packaging requirements to help ensure batteries that are unsafe for normal transportation can be shipped safely for evaluation, repair, recycling, or disposal.
P911 is referenced by international dangerous goods regulations and is commonly used when shipping damaged batteries by road, rail, sea, and, where permitted, air.
Why P911 Matters
Unlike new or undamaged batteries that have passed UN 38.3 transportation testing, damaged or defective lithium batteries may become unstable during transport.
Potential hazards include:
- Thermal runaway
- Fire propagation
- Toxic gas release
- Explosion hazards
- Electrical short circuits
- Re-ignition after suppression
P911 establishes additional packaging requirements to help reduce these risks during transportation.
When is P911 Used?
P911 is typically used when transporting batteries that are:
- Damaged during use or handling
- Defective or malfunctioning
- Recalled by the manufacturer
- Involved in an incident or accident
- Suspected of internal damage
- Being shipped for inspection, testing, recycling, or disposal
It applies when a battery presents a greater transportation risk than batteries shipped under standard lithium battery regulations.
Packaging Requirements
Batteries shipped under P911 generally require specialized packaging that may include:
- UN Performance Packaging
- Non-combustible cushioning materials
- Protection against movement during transport
- Protection against short circuits
- Thermal insulation where required
- Measures to prevent dangerous heat generation
- Secure closure and containment
The selected packaging must be appropriate for the battery’s size, weight, condition, and the applicable transportation regulations.
Relationship to Other Standards
P911 works alongside several important battery transportation standards and regulations.
UN 38.3
Verifies that lithium battery designs are suitable for normal transportation.
UN Performance Packaging
Provides certified packaging that has passed standardized performance testing for transporting dangerous goods.
LP906
Establishes packaging requirements for larger damaged or defective lithium batteries, battery packs, and battery assemblies that require Large Packagings.
Transportation Regulations
P911 is referenced by international dangerous goods regulations governing the transportation of lithium batteries by road, rail, sea, and, where permitted, air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does P911 apply to all lithium batteries?
No. P911 applies specifically to damaged or defective lithium batteries that present an increased transportation risk. Batteries in good condition are generally shipped under standard lithium battery transportation requirements.
Is P911 a packaging certification?
No. P911 is a packing instruction that specifies how damaged or defective batteries must be packaged. The packaging itself may also need to meet the applicable UN Performance Packaging requirements.
Does P911 require UN-certified packaging?
In many cases, yes. Shipments prepared under P911 typically require appropriately tested and certified UN Performance Packaging together with additional protective materials suitable for the battery’s condition.
Does P911 eliminate the risk of thermal runaway?
No. P911 does not prevent thermal runaway. Its purpose is to reduce transportation risks by requiring packaging that helps contain and manage the hazards associated with damaged or defective batteries.
Battery Safety Canada Can Help
Battery Safety Canada provides compliant transportation solutions for damaged and defective lithium batteries, including UN-certified shipping containers, thermal runaway containment products, fire-resistant packaging systems, and technical guidance for battery transportation.
Whether you’re shipping batteries for repair, recycling, warranty return, or disposal, we can help you select the appropriate packaging and containment solutions to support safe, compliant transportation.
