It is strongly recommended that operators conduct a risk assessment to identify all risks relating to the transport of lithium batteries in cargo, mail and passenger baggage. Risk management seeks to be proactive by identifying hazards and assessing risks before they become events. The objective of risk management is to minimize operational risk and maximize business opportunities. It may also be used to ensure regulatory compliance. Therefore, all activities where there is a perceived or potential risk should come under the scrutiny of the basic principles of risk management, and this certainly applies to the carriage of lithium batteries. However, risk assessments should not be limited to scenarios where it is known lithium batteries are present; the operator that has a policy of not carrying dangerous goods as cargo is just as vulnerable to carrying undeclared lithium batteries as an operator that carries dangerous goods.
The risk assessment should be performed by a team of senior-level representatives from key areas. such as Cargo, Safety and Flight Operations (preferably personnel with appropriate knowledge on the subject). This risk assessment needs to consider the potential risk looking at all the points of entry for cargo, mail and passenger baggage, as applicable, and the types of aircraft being operated (passenger and/or cargo). Based on the risk assessment, an identification of potential risk mitigation strategies should follow.