Safety of Dangerous Goods Packagings and Batteries

Division 3.1

Packaging for the transport of dangerous goods - testing, approval and quality assurance

In order to transport dangerous goods and substances safely, only tested and approved packaging with the appropriate UN marking may be used.

The task of the Dangerous Goods Packaging Division is the testing, approval and quality assurance of packaging for the transport of dangerous goods. BAM is the competent authority for this in Germany. We ensure safety during the transport and handling of packaged dangerous goods. To this end, we carry out type tests as well as tests on drums, canisters, boxes and bags, large packagings and intermediate bulk containers (IBC). We issue type approvals and monitor manufacturers. In addition, we advise authorities and industry in the field of dangerous goods logistics and provide information, e.g. on the Technical Safety Portal (TES).

In order to further develop the safety of dangerous goods packaging, we conduct research projects. We are also actively involved in the further development of dangerous goods legislation and standardization at national and international level.

Safety of batteries - electrical energy storage - energy conversion

In our second topic area, we conduct research on the safety of electrical energy storage devices, especially lithium batteries. On the material level, we develop and research active materials such as anode, cathode, electrolyte and additives and fabricate small cells. We study boundary layers and their influences on the reactivity of the cell and research next-generation batteries, e.g. sodium-ion batteries. At the cell level, we study thermal runaway and the processes involved. At the battery and application level, we are investigating the thermal runaway of batteries, including batteries for e-bikes and large batteries for passenger cars. In addition, we are researching the further development of fuel cells and suitable catalysts, especially without the use of platinum.

Fields of expertise
Fields of expertise
Ensuring and enhancing safety in the transport and handling of packaged dangerous goods
Advising authorities and industry in matters pertaining to dangerous goods packaging and its use in any mode of transport
Research in the field of dangerous goods logistics with the aim of enhancing safety
Main activities
Main activities
Dangerous goods packaging
Preparation of type approvals
Type testing of packaging, large-scale packaging and large packaging materials
Recognition of quality assurance programs and monitoring bodies
Recognition and monitoring of testing bodies for the performance of type tests
Expert opinions and statements on the development of legislation
Evaluation and definition of conditions for the transport of critically defective lithium batteries
Transport approvals for unpacked prototype lithium batteries
Research on safety issues, especially chemical compatibility of materials
Electrical energy storage systems
Research on safety assessment of electrical energy storage devices/energy converters
Research on the safety assessment of electrical energy storage systems/energy converters
Measurement of physical and electrotechnical quantities under standard conditions as well as thermal and mechanical loads
Performance of abuse tests
Range of services/technical equipment
Range of services/technical equipment
Drop test facilities: max. drop height: 10, max. mass of drop site foundations: 280 t
Climate-controlled space 23 °C / 50 % air humidity
Heated room 40 °C
Cooling chamber for packaging and large-scale packaging
Climate testing chamber
Laboratory for performance of chemical compatibility testing
Stack pressure testing facilities
Test facility for hydraulic internal pressure testing with defined water temperature
Leak testing facilities
Material characteristics for corrugated cardboard / plastic
Dangerous goods packaging
Drop test facilities: max. drop height: 10 m, max. mass of drop foundation: 280 t
Clima chamber 23 °C/50 % humidity
Heated room 40 °C
Cooling chamber for packaging and large packaging
Climatic test chamber
Laboratory for chemical compatibility testing
Stack pressure testing equipment
Test equipment for hydraulic internal pressure test at defined water temperature
Leak test equipment
Material characteristics for corrugated board/plastics
Electrical energy storage
Inert gas protected glove box
Climatic chambers for calendrical and cyclical aging/testing
Electrical potentiostats, some with impedance (>50 channels for commercial and research cells)
Four pressure-stable and fireproof test chambers for abuse testing of battery cells (electrical, thermal, mechanical (nail tool))
Button cell production (lab scale)
Publications of the division

Publications of the division
In the database PUBLICA you will find publications by BAM employees.
Publications of the division Dangerous Goods Packagings in PUBLICA
PUBLICA