Thu, Aug 09, 2007
Prohibits Batteries From Flying On Passenger Aircraft
Cargo shipments of certain types of
lithium batteries will remain banned from passenger aircraft under
a final rule issued Thursday by the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The rule amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations by adopting
a limited ban on primary, non-rechargeable lithium batteries
– such as those found in cameras, laptop computers and mobile
telephones -- to reduce the risk of potential fire caused by
electrical short circuit. This final rule also tightens standards
for testing, handling, and packaging lithium batteries to reduce
the likelihood of a lithium battery-related fire during
shipment.
“Keeping shipments of metal lithium batteries off of
passenger aircraft is a prudent step to help keep America’s
airlines the safest in the world,” said PHMSA Chief Safety
Officer and Assistant Administrator Stacey L. Gerard.
Lithium batteries are considered a hazardous material because they can overheat and ignite in certain
conditions. Safety testing conducted by the Federal
Aviation Administration found current aircraft cargo fire
suppression systems are not capable of suppressing a fire if a
shipment of primary lithium batteries is ignited in flight.
While the rule bans shipments of the batteries on passenger
flights, it does not affect the ability of passengers to carry or
use personal devices containing lithium batteries while aboard
aircraft.
In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the Federal
Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board,
the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the battery and airline
industries, airline employee organizations, testing laboratories,
and the emergency response communities to increase public awareness
about battery-related risks and developments, and to promote
improvements in industry standards and best practices. More details
on these efforts are available at the FMI link, below.
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