[Idyllchat] Lithium batteries on airlines

[Vickie Kelber]

PHMSA 11-07

Friday, December 28, 2007

Contact: Patricia Klinger

Joe Delcambre

Tel.: (202) 366-4831


New US DOT Hazmat Safety Rule to Place Lithium Battery Limits in Carry-on
Baggage on Passenger Aircraft Effective January 1, 2008


Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked
luggage beginning January 1, 2008 once new federal safety rules take effect.
The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires,
will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are
installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic
bags.


Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most
laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life
spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as laptop and professional
audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.


"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail
packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional
short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of
the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration.


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.
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