B777-300
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation
General Work Refused
Human Factors; Procedure
Lithium batteries pose a significant threat to passenger aircraft. The DOT has made it clear of the dangers associated with this material. Certain lithium items are exempt from the ban; those items carried in or with 'equipment; up to 5 kgs 11 lbs. Apparently there is no limit as to how many equipment items are allowed. This flight was scheduled to have 20 kgs of lithium aboard. The way the cargo and loaders throw these items around are a real concern. I've witnessed boxes being loaded up-side down and 'cans' being dropped off of loading equipment. I refused this load and believe that all lithium items as 'cargo' should only be transported on cargo only aircraft. [Company] is rolling the dice for the sake of profit by excepting lithium material packed in or with equipment. Remove all lithium items carried as cargo from passenger aircraft.
B777 Captain reported refusal of Hazmat cargo due to safety concerns regarding the handling of Lithium Ion batteries by ground personnel.