Certain objects are classified as hazardous for transportation and handling because they could endanger people or the environment. These materials are classified into nine distinct categories by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States. One prominent example of such a hazardous item is the automotive battery.
What are hazardous materials?
Hazardous materials, in essence, are substances or items that, if handled improperly or exposed without precaution, can pose risks to living beings or the environment. The DOT classifies these materials into nine categories, each based on the nature of the substances within.
DOT Classes of Hazardous Materials:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Flammable Solids, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous When Wet
- Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- Poison (Toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard
- Radioactive Materials
- Corrosives
- Miscellaneous Dangerous or Hazardous Materials
What type is an automotive battery?
To comprehend the hazard class of an automotive battery, it’s crucial to understand its composition. Most conventional automotive batteries are lead-acid batteries. These batteries incorporate lead alloy components immersed in acid, a combination that generates electricity.
The surge in the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has added a layer of complexity to this question. The battery propelling a gas-powered car differs significantly in composition from that of an EV, which employs a lithium-ion battery.
Gas-Powered Car Battery:
Class 8
Electric Vehicle Battery:
Class 9
The Corrosive Nature of Automotive Batteries
Given the presence of acid in a standard automotive battery, it exemplifies a class 8 hazardous material. Class 8 encompasses corrosive materials or substances. Therefore, when inquiring about the automotive battery hazard class, the response is class 8.
The Case of Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electric vehicles, fall under Hazard Class 9. Class 9 is reserved for miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles not covered by the other classes but still possessing significant risks.
Regulatory Framework
The Department of Transportation, a federal agency, is responsible for establishing and enforcing these classifications. These hazardous material classes are mandated for compliance by all transportation entities operating within the United States.
Retail Scenario
Retailers like Walmart and AutoZone predominantly offer traditional lead-acid batteries. These batteries are further categorized as wet-cell and dry-cell, distinguished by the presence or absence of a liquid mixture.
Wet-Cell Batteries:
Class 8
Dry-Cell Batteries:
Class 8
An additional type known as absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, while less common in standard vehicles, finds application in specialized vehicles like off-road vehicles.
Is a car battery a hazardous material?
Indeed, a typical car battery, being a lead-acid battery, contains elements (lead and acid) classified as hazardous.
Conclusion
Understanding the hazard class of automotive batteries is crucial for safe handling and transportation. Whether it’s the familiar lead-acid battery or the newer lithium-ion variant, each falls under a specific DOT hazard class. Adhering to these classifications is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental step in ensuring the safety of individuals and the environment.
Also Read: Which Car Battery Terminal To Disconnect First
