When lithium batteries are near metal objects during transport, what is required?

• A. They must be kept away from metal objects with no insulation.
• B. They should be insulated but may touch metal objects.
• C. They must be insulated and separated to prevent short circuits.
• D. They should be placed directly on metal surfaces for grounding.

Answer: (C)

Preventing a short circuit is the key idea when lithium batteries are near metal objects during transport. Metal can create a conductive path between the battery’s terminals and the object, which can lead to a dangerous short, heat, or fire. The required approach is to insulate the batteries and keep them separated from metal objects so there is no contact or bridging, even if the packaging shifts. Insulation blocks direct contact with metal, and physical separation ensures there’s no conductive path at all. Other choices fall short because simply keeping distance isn’t enough without insulation, touching metal even with some insulation isn’t acceptable, and placing batteries on metal surfaces for grounding is unsafe and inappropriate.