New FAA Warning on Lithium Batteries

[Deac in the Wake]

While this only applies to large-scale bulk shipments of Li-ion batteries, the trend is obviously moving towards regulating passenger batteries which will affect higher-end dive lights. I already wrap mine in duct-tape and plastic and keep it in my carry-on but this may change as airlines may want them in the cargo hold instead.

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WASHINGTON — Federal aviation officials urged air carriers Friday to voluntarily take steps to reduce the risk of cargo fires caused by overheated lithium batteries, an indication of regulators' growing concern about the threat posed by air transport of the batteries.
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It also recommends stowing battery shipments in cargo compartments in the belly of planes, where there are halon gas fire suppression systems. There are no fire suppression systems required in the main cabins of cargo or passenger planes.
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The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed new regulations in January that would require lithium batteries be treated as hazardous cargo.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hm5YUKCTHfvXPfc9bvwo-IMWCQiQD9INOQFO0?docId=D9INOQFO0

 

[oldnotdead]

Deac, Thanks for the info. I understand the need for more regulations on shipments that will prove to be hazardous materials. I visualize a big box at the door of the plane to throw our personal electronics into. Kind of like the box for your shoes when boarding a boat!That'll go over like _______(you fill in the rest).OND

 

[Kilili]

Please explain the rationale behind wrapping in duct tape and plastic. I don't understand.

 

[Peter_C]

Unless I read it wrong they are only trying to target "Lithium Metal" batteries.

http://safetravel.dot.gov/definitions.html

"Lithium Metal Batteries. These are lithium batteries which can not be recharged. They are designed to be discarded once their initial charge is used up. Larger Lithium Metal Batteries contain over two grams of lithium, and are forbidden in air travel. (No common consumer lithium metal batteries are in the "larger" category.)"

 

[bleeb]

Unless I read it wrong they are only trying to target "Lithium Metal" batteries.

Safe Travel

"Lithium Metal Batteries. These are lithium batteries which can not be recharged. They are designed to be discarded once their initial charge is used up. Larger Lithium Metal Batteries contain over two grams of lithium, and are forbidden in air travel. (No common consumer lithium metal batteries are in the "larger" category.)"

The latest concerns in the aviation industry appear to include rechargeable Lithium-based batteries. The FAA issued a 'heads-up' type position paper last Fri Oct 8 with background information including potential tightening of regulations as a result of a few recent major incidents. This includes the Sept 3 in-flight cargo fire and crash of a UPS cargo 747 soon after takeoff. It doesn't seem to have been publicly confirmed yet, but the unofficial word in the aviation industry is that the shipments included a large amount of rechargeable consumer electronics. (AWAST Sept 21.)

 

[tarponchik]

Please explain the rationale behind wrapping in duct tape and plastic. I don't understand.

To avoid short circuit?

 

[Peter_C]

From the link posted above. http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/media/safo10017.pdf

"These recommendations are limited to lithium batteries transported in the cargo hold of an aircraft (including cargo holds that are not distinct from the flight deck), and do not apply to lithium batteries carried onboard by passengers and crew members, or otherwise stowed in the passenger cabin of the aircraft."

"most lithium batteries and devices are currently classified as excepted from the Class 9 provisions of the HMR. Because of this exception, they do not require a Notice to the Pilot in Command"

Again doesn't sound to me like they are going after consumer electronics on passenger flights.

I tape over my can lights connector when flying. It is prudent to do so. I also rubber band a lithium notice over my battery and carry it onboard the plane.

Can you imagine if they tried to ban laptops from the cabin and the luggage?

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

Thanks for the information on Li Ion batteries but:

Duck tape and plastic? You are looking for a little interaction from TSA? I guess you put them bundled with your road flares?

 

[bleeb]

Again doesn't sound to me like they are going after consumer electronics on passenger flights.

I think you're uncertain where you shouldn't be, and it could be creating additional confusion. As stated by the OP, the news articles and the FAA advisory, the current batch of official statements applies only to cargo. This means stuff shipped in industrial quantities and specifically excludes changes to the rules regarding stuff belonging to passengers and crew, whether it's carried in the cabin or underneath the floor.

It's theoretically possible that the current round of accident investigations and review of regulations may find something significant enough to suggest a substantive change to passenger side regulations. However, so far, there doesn't seem to have been much talk of any major changes upcoming as to what or how individuals can bring on board as personal property.

 

[craracer]

Please explain the rationale behind wrapping in duct tape and plastic. I don't understand.

To avoid short circuit?

Duck tape and plastic? You are looking for a little interaction from TSA? I guess you put them bundled with your road flares?

Directly from the TSA website:

• If original packaging is not available for spare batteries, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
• Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.