Lithium Battery Storage and Transport Audit

Inspection template for auditing lithium battery storage, segregation, damaged battery handling, and transport compliance requirements.

Inspection Scope and Area Setup

• Battery types and activities in scope are identified
  Select all that apply to the area being inspected.
• Inspection area is clearly designated and access-controlled
  Area is marked for battery handling and access is limited to trained personnel.
• Manufacturer instructions and site SOPs are available at point of use
  Current handling, storage, and shipping instructions are available to employees.
• Emergency contacts and spill/fire response instructions are posted
  Emergency response information is visible and legible in the battery area.

Storage Conditions

• Storage area is cool, dry, and free from direct heat sources
  Batteries are not stored near heaters, sunlight, steam lines, or other heat-generating equipment.
• Storage area is clean, dry, and free of conductive debris
  No loose metal objects, conductive debris, or liquid contamination is present.
• Batteries are stored to prevent crushing, puncture, or impact damage
  Racking, shelving, bins, or pallets protect batteries from physical damage.
• Storage containers are intact and suitable for battery type
  Containers are undamaged, closed as required, and appropriate for the battery chemistry and condition.
• State of charge or storage condition controls are followed
  Stored batteries are managed per site procedure and manufacturer guidance for long-term storage.
• Temperature and humidity controls are monitored where required
  If the site procedure requires environmental monitoring, records are current and within limits.

Segregation and Labeling

• Damaged, defective, or swollen batteries are segregated from serviceable stock
  Non-conforming batteries are isolated in a designated area or container.
• Damaged battery containers are clearly labeled
  Labels identify damaged, defective, or suspect batteries and any handling restrictions.
• Incompatible materials are segregated
  Batteries are separated from flammables, oxidizers, metal tools, and other incompatible materials per site procedure.
• Terminal protection or packaging prevents short-circuiting
  Exposed terminals are protected and batteries are packaged to prevent contact between conductive surfaces.
• Quarantine area is physically separated and controlled
  The hold area for damaged or returned batteries is separated from normal inventory and access is restricted.

Damaged Battery Handling

• Employees know the stop-work and escalation procedure for damaged batteries
  Workers can describe who to notify and what actions to take when a battery is damaged or overheated.
• Damaged batteries are handled only by trained personnel
  Only authorized and trained employees handle suspect or damaged batteries.
• Appropriate PPE is available and used
  Required PPE such as gloves and eye protection is available based on the site risk assessment and SOP.
• Damaged batteries are isolated in a non-combustible or approved containment method
  Containment method matches site procedure and manufacturer guidance for damaged batteries.
• Any signs of swelling, leakage, heat, odor, or smoke are documented
  Select all observed conditions.

Transport and Shipping Compliance

• Shipping packaging is intact and appropriate for lithium batteries
  Outer packaging is undamaged and suitable for the battery type and shipment condition.
• Packages are marked and labeled per applicable transport requirements
  Required marks, labels, and orientation or handling indicators are present where applicable.
• Shipping papers and emergency information are complete
  Documentation required by the site shipping procedure and applicable transport rules is complete and available.
• Employees follow carrier and manufacturer restrictions for damaged or recalled batteries
  Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries are not shipped unless specifically authorized by procedure and regulation.
• Transport staging area prevents mix-up with non-compliant shipments
  Outbound batteries are staged separately from general freight and clearly identified.

Training, Records, and Corrective Actions

• Employees handling batteries have current training records
  Training covers storage, segregation, damaged battery response, and shipping requirements.
• Previous deficiencies have documented corrective actions and closure dates
  Open issues are tracked to closure with responsible owner and due date.
• Inspector comments and evidence are complete
  Observations, deficiencies, and follow-up needs are documented clearly.