Elon Musk’s electric car company Tesla requested a permit to transport lithium batteries across the United States by rail. However, trade union SMART-TD “is having none of it”, as safety risks are considered too high.
“This proposal endangers rail workers, heaps new burdens on crews already stretched thin, and trusts the railroads to act responsibly, something every railroader knows is not likely to happen any time soon”, SMART-TD claimed. Lithium is a notoriously unstable metal, which can even sometimes spontaneously catch fire.
Why SMART-TD says no
The proposed permit is considered too vague by the union, as it does not provide specification over volumes and quantities of lithium that can be transported at once. “This lack of clarity is unacceptable, particularly given the known volatility and fragility of lithium-based products”, SMART-TD said in a public comment.
Another concern underlined by the trade union is that Tesla’s request would place the burden of responsibility on the shoulders of railway operators. These companies are not in charge of loading the wagons, preparing documents or design packaging, but the proposed permit, if granted, would hold them accountable in case of violations.
Another point raised by SMART-TD is that the rail industry, especially in the US, is often characterised by improper training as well as inadequate incident report protocols. Thus, the union is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to deny this permit request and safeguard the safety of railway workers.