Transporting lithium-ion and other advanced battery technologies presents unique hazards, including thermal runaway, electrolyte leaks, and fire risks. Effective training programs for handlers and first responders are critical to mitigating these dangers. The following outlines key components of such programs, aligned with UN-recommended procedures, while differentiating from manufacturing incident protocols and BMS fault detection.

**UN Recommendations and Regulatory Framework**
The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN 38.3) and Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods provide the foundation for battery transport safety. Training must cover the classification of battery shipments under UN numbers (e.g., UN 3480 for lithium-ion batteries) and packaging requirements (e.g., UN-approved containers with damage-proof insulation). Programs should emphasize compliance with regional regulations such as the U.S. DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) and the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

**Core Training Modules**
1. **Hazard Identification**
- Recognizing battery types (lithium-ion, lead-acid, etc.) and their specific risks.
- Identifying damaged packaging, swelling, leaks, or thermal events.
- Understanding propagation risks in multi-cell systems.

2. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**
- Minimum PPE: Flame-resistant clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, and respiratory protection for electrolyte vapors.
- Specialized gear for thermal runaway: Heat-resistant suits (withstand > 500°C) and infrared thermometers for remote temperature monitoring.

3. **Spill and Leak Response**
- Electrolyte containment: Use absorbents (e.g., vermiculite or specialized polymer gels) compatible with organic solvents.
- Neutralization: For acidic or alkaline electrolytes, apply pH-neutralizing agents (e.g., bicarbonate for acid spills).
- Exclusion zones: Establish a 25-meter radius for large-scale leaks, per UN guidelines.

4. **Fire Suppression**
- Class D fire extinguishers for lithium-metal batteries; lithium-ion fires require copious amounts of water (500–1,000 liters per kWh).
- NO foam or CO2 extinguishers—these can exacerbate thermal runaway.
- Continuous cooling for 48 hours post-extinguishment to prevent reignition.

5. **Thermal Runaway Mitigation**
- Isolate affected batteries using non-conductive tools (e.g., fiberglass poles).
- Monitor adjacent cells for thermal propagation using thermal cameras.
- Implement passive cooling (sand or thermal blankets) if active systems fail.

**First Responder Protocols**
- **Initial Assessment**: Use gas detectors to check for hydrogen fluoride (HF) emissions, which exceed 30 ppm in severe thermal events.
- **Evacuation Priorities**: Prioritize upwind evacuation; HF exposure limits are 3 ppm for 10 minutes (NIOSH guidelines).
- **Medical Response**: Calcium gluconate gel for HF burns; ABC fire extinguishers for secondary fires.

**Differentiation from Manufacturing and BMS Protocols**
Unlike manufacturing incidents (G64), transport emergencies lack fixed infrastructure (e.g., dry rooms, centralized fire suppression). Training focuses on improvisation with limited resources. Contrasted with BMS fault detection (G31), which relies on real-time data, transport responses depend on physical indicators (smoke, heat) and manual diagnostics.

**Practical Drills and Certification**
- Quarterly drills simulating leaks, fires, and multi-vehicle incidents.
- Certification through programs like the NFPA’s Hazardous Materials Technician curriculum or IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations training.

**Spill Kit Specifications**
A transport-compliant spill kit must include:
- Absorbent materials (10 kg capacity per 100 kWh of battery energy).
- pH test strips and neutralizers.
- Non-sparking tools for battery handling.
- Barrier tape and signage for exclusion zones.

**Conclusion**
Effective training balances regulatory knowledge with hands-on response tactics. By focusing on UN standards, adaptive PPE use, and differentiated protocols, handlers and responders can reduce risks in battery transport emergencies. Continuous updates are essential as battery technologies evolve.