Lithium Batteries: Thermal Runaway and Fire Response on Board
Lithium-battery fire response follows the UN entry, EmS schedule and ship-specific procedures; SP376 separates the critical P911/LP906 branch from other damaged/defective P908/LP904, without improvised onboard diagnosis.
Operational Explanation
Thermal runaway may cause re-ignition, toxic/flammable gas and overpressure. No universal massive-seawater-cooling, flooding or opening/non-opening strategy fits every CTU. Damaged/defective classification starts from SP376 and competent assessment, not recall alone.
Regulatory Reference
IMDG Code Amendment 42-24, Dangerous Goods List, SP376 and packing instructions. Branch liable to rapidly disassemble/dangerously react/produce flame or dangerous heat/emission: P911/LP906 with competent-authority conditions/approval. Other damaged/defective: P908/LP904. Disposal/recycling: P909 where applicable. No SP188 exemption for damaged/defective.
Scope of Application
Identify UN entry, condition, package/CTU, stowage and quantity. Emergency response follows the relevant EmS fire schedule, fire control plan, SMS and ship configuration; packing classification follows shipper/competent authority and IMDG documents.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify UN entry, location and quantity from manifest/stowage plan.
- Alert Master and fire organisation, isolate the area and use prescribed PPE/monitoring.
- Apply the relevant EmS fire schedule, fire control plan and ship-specific SMS procedures.
- Use boundary cooling or other agents only under those instructions and actual configuration.
- Do not open, enter, move or flood the CTU from this page; use emergency command, risk assessment and shore/fire expert support where available.
- Maintain prolonged monitoring for re-ignition after visible signs cease.
Practical Example
A thermal alarm on a CTU is handled by identifying UN entry and stowage and applying the relevant EmS and ship plan. The emergency team does not presume the reaction has ended and orders no flooding or opening without the prescribed assessment.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Prescribing massive seawater cooling universally, claiming certainty that reaction has burned out or assigning P908 to the SP376 branch liable to rapidly and dangerously react.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Universal agent/strategy | Response conflicts with stowage or ship | Follow EmS and ship-specific procedures |
| Runaway assumed certainly ended | Re-ignition unmonitored | Maintain prolonged monitoring |
| P908 assigned to critical branch | Insufficient packaging | Apply SP376 and competent-authority process |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Include specific thermal runaway scenarios in periodic fire drills, explicitly distinguishing them from conventional fires.
- Do not rely on conventional portable extinguishers as a definitive measure against a lithium battery ignition inside a closed container.
- Check that crew training is up to date with the latest editions of the EmS Guide, which reflect the growing prevalence of this type of cargo.
Preparation checklist
- UN entry, location and quantity identified
- Applicable EmS/fire plan/SMS available
- No generic flooding/opening/movement instruction
- Re-ignition monitoring planned
- SP376 branch determined competently
- P911/LP906, P908/LP904 or P909 used within scope
- SP188 excluded for damaged/defective
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint 20da63756427