Beginning January 1, airline passengers
will no longer be allowed to pack loose lithium batteries in checked
luggage, under new transportation laws aimed at reducing the risk of
battery fires.
Passengers are permitted to carry up to two spare extended-life rechargeable lithium batteries
in carry-on bags as long as they are in their original packaging or in
a plastic zipper bag, according to the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration.
Checked bags can contain batteries already installed in
gadgets such as cell phones, cameras or laptop computers, according to
the DOT.
Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat
and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA found that
current aircraft cargo fire suppression system would not be capable of
suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were
ignited in flight.
“This rule protects the passenger,” said Lynne Osmus, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) assistant administrator for security and hazardous
materials. “It’s one more step for safety. It’s the right thing to do and the
right time to do it.”
In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA, 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. These useful safety tips are highlighted
at the public website:
http://safetravel.dot.gov.