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.
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