Sat, Sep 03, 2011
Prestigious University Allegedly Shipped Devices With Lithium
Batteries Which Caught Fire
The
FAA is proposing a $175,000 civil penalty against the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) for alleged violations of Department
of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations. The FAA alleges
that MIT offered a fiberboard box containing 33 electronic devices
to FedEx for transportation by air from Cambridge to Seattle on
Aug. 25, 2009. Each electronic device consisted of a lithium
battery attached to a circuit board and tube-like container.
The package was discovered with smoke and flames coming from it
while it was moving on a conveyor at the FedEx sorting facility in
Medford, MA. Two of the devices in the package heated and
melted, which caused the surrounding cushioning and packaging to
catch fire. Because the package was not properly labeled and
marked, Federal Express employees did not know the shipment
contained hazardous material. They made several unsuccessful
attempts to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Specifically, the batteries were not packaged in a manner that
would prevent a short-circuit that could create sparks or generate
a dangerous quantity of heat. MIT allegedly offered the box
when it was not packaged, marked, classed, described, labeled or in
condition for shipment as required by regulations. The
airbill accompanying the shipment specifically stated the shipment
did not contain dangerous goods.
In addition, the FAA alleges MIT employees were not properly
trained and tested to handle hazardous material.
MIT has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement
letter to respond to the agency.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]