lithium batteries Archives - Flight Safety Foundation

UPS Faces Proposed Penalty for Allegedly Improper Battery Shipment

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accusing UPS of violating hazardous materials regulations by shipping improperly packaged lithium batteries and is proposing that the company pay a $120,000 civil penalty.

The FAA, in a statement issued late last week, cited Nov. 15, 2018, actions by UPS in which the batteries were flown from Ontario, California, U.S., to Louisville, Kentucky.

After the shipment arrived, workers at the UPS facility in Louisville found that “it contained multiple loosely packed lithium batteries, which had no protection from short circuit, were damaged and several of which were in a reactive state,” the FAA said. Lithium-ion batteries in this condition are “likely to generate a dangerous evolution of heat” and “are forbidden for air transportation on cargo and passenger carrying aircraft,” the agency added.

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said last year that it had identified 13 incidents from 2010 through 2016 in air cargo transportation involving lithium batteries and smoke, fire, extreme heat or explosion.

In this case, the FAA said that the shipment was improperly packaged and unaccompanied by the required paperwork for dangerous goods shipments.

UPS will have 30 days after receiving an official notice from the FAA to respond to the allegations.

AeroSafety World Editorial Staff. January 28, 2020

News, Safety Regulation

FAA Proposes Changes in Fire Protection Standards for Aircraft Interiors

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to change airworthiness regulations that govern fire protection inside transport category airplanes to convert existing prescriptive requirements into what it says will be simpler, performance-based standards.

Those standards also would be applied to “any extensively used material in an inaccessible area” such as insulation, electrical wiring and cargo compartment ceilings and floor liners, the FAA said.

According to a notice published in the Federal Register Wednesday, the FAA said the changes would “result in a safety benefit by reducing the likelihood of a fatal accident from a fire in an inaccessible area.” That likelihood has increased in recent years because of in-flight fires and the growing presence of lithium ion batteries to power personal electronic devices, the notice said.

The notice said that the proposed amendment would divide the standards into two categories, one involving in-flight fires and the other, post-crash fires.

The amendment also would remove an existing requirement for specific methods of testing fire protection standards involving materials used in aircraft interiors and instead allow companies applying for airworthiness certificates to demonstrate compliance with the standards without conducting the tests or by providing an independent substantiation of the materials’ flammability characteristics. The change would “eliminate unnecessary testing, increase standardization and improve safety,” the FAA said in the Federal Register notice, adding that simplification of the requirements is possible “from a safety perspective, because of other proposed changes that would compensate for removing requirements.”

The proposed rule would organize fire protection requirements according to the type of fire (in-flight or post-crash) that is considered likely to affect a particular component or material, “rather than basing such standards on the part’s composition or function,” the notice said.

The proposal also would apply to any extensively used material in an inaccessible area, the notice said, adding that extensively used materials are considered “any parts or system of parts that could permit a fire to propagate and grow to a hazardous level, for example, air ducting, electrical wiring/sleeving, thermal/acoustic insulation and composite fuselage structure.”

The notice said that current requirements, outlined in U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations Part 25, specify fire protection requirements according to the function of each aircraft component, and sometimes, according to that component’s composition. The existing requirements also discuss specific mandatory testing methods.

This specificity “can create difficulties when an applicant wishes to deviate from the detailed test provisions, for example, to implement improvements,” the notice said. “Also, a given component can be subject to multiple regulatory requirements depending on the component’s composition, and the requirements may conflict with one another.”

In some cases, determining the applicable requirements is difficult, especially when new components or new materials are being used, the notice said.

The FAA will accept public comments for 90 days after publication of the proposal.

FSF Editorial Staff. July 5, 2019

Cabin Safety, Lithium Batteries, Cargo Safety

U.S. Tightens Rules on Lithium Battery Cargo

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is moving to prohibit the transportation of lithium ion cells and batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft and to add new requirements for those being transported in cargo airplanes.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said Wednesday that an interim final rule developed by the Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), working with the Federal Aviation Administration, “will strengthen safety for the traveling public by addressing the unique challenges lithium batteries pose in transportation.”

Limited exceptions will allow for transportation in passenger aircraft of no more than two replacement lithium cells or batteries for use in medical devices. The interim final rule also will require that lithium ion cells and batteries be shipped aboard cargo aircraft “at not more than a 30 percent state of charge.”

The interim rule is intended to prevent an in-flight fire caused by thermal runaway, a chain reaction in which lithium battery cells overheat and burn, with flames spreading to adjacent battery cells and nearby flammable materials.

PHMSA says it has identified 13 incidents in air cargo transportation between 2010 and 2016 involving lithium batteries and smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion that would have been affected by this rulemaking.

The rule, which is intended for publication on an unspecified date in the Federal Register and which will take effect upon publication, does not prevent passengers or crewmembers from boarding with personal items powered by lithium cells or batteries. It also does not prevent the transportation in cargo aircraft of lithium cells or batteries at greater than a 30 percent charge if they are packed with or contained in electronic devices.

The PHMSA said the early effective date of the rule was prompted by the risks of a lithium battery incident, a deadline for action that was included in recent legislation and the need to harmonize U.S. rules with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The agency will accept public comments for 60 days after publication of the interim rule, and the measure may be amended later, PHMSA said.

“The safe transport of lithium batteries by air has been an ongoing concern due to the unique challenges they pose to safety in the air transportation environment,” the Federal Register announcement said. “Unlike other hazardous materials, lithium batteries contain both a chemical and an electrical hazard. This combination of hazards, when involved in a fire encompassing significant quantities of lithium batteries, may exceed the fire suppression capability of the aircraft and lead to a catastrophic loss of the aircraft.”

Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), described the rulemaking as a “major enhancement to U.S. aviation safety” that brings U.S. rules in line with standards set forth by ICAO.

FSF Editorial Staff. February 28, 2019

News, Lithium Batteries, Dangerous Goods

Alaska Airlines Joins American, Delta in Restricting Smart Luggage

Like competitors Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, Alaska Airlines also plans to impose restrictions on so-called “smart bags” or “smart luggage” in early 2018.

As of Jan. 15, bags equipped with a lithium battery or lithium battery power bank will only be accepted as carry-on baggage if it is possible to remove the battery from the bag if needed, Alaska said. If the bag is to fly as checked baggage, the battery must be removed and carried in the passenger cabin. “If it’s not possible to remove the battery from the bag, the bag won’t be allowed on the plane,” the carrier said in a message posted on its website.

American and Delta also have announced similar restrictions, and other carriers are expected to do so as well. Alaska said its new policy follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) general rules regarding lithium ion batteries and also the growing concern of the airline industry “around these batteries in our cargo areas.”

FAA guidance says that lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are allowed in carry-on baggage and in checked baggage as long as they are protected from damage and short circuit or installed in a device, and that battery-powered devices must be protected from accidental activation. Spare lithium ion, metal and polymer batteries, including external battery packs, are prohibited from checked baggage, according to FAA.

The batteries in smart bags power the electronic lock, bag-weighing and global positioning systems features of many smart bags, but the batteries also are used for recharging personal electronic devices, like smartphones, laptops and tablets. Because the batteries are used to charge other devices, they are considered spares or power banks.

In an emailed statement, Tomi Pierucci, CEO and co-founder of smart bag maker Bluesmart, said: “The latest changes are an absolute travesty and [are] a huge step back not only for travel technology, but it also presents an obstacle to streamlining and improving the way we all travel. There is no validity to the claims, at least not with regard to Bluesmart batteries causing fires. All our products meet DOT [Department of Transportation], FAA, FCC [Federal Communications Commission] and UN 38.3 regulations and all our batteries are tested, certified, and in compliance.”

UN/DOT 38.3 refers to section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, which lays out a testing protocol designed to ensure the safety of lithium batteries during shipping.

“If they are going to ban smart bags, then they should be banning cameras, laptops, and phones being checked in or carried on,” Pierucci said. “All of these have at some point caused issues with exploding batteries, and yet it is smart bags and Bluesmart that [are] getting punished for this.

Mike Tobin, Alaska’s manager of dangerous goods, said, “We love innovation and understand why smart bags are so appealing for travel. While these restrictions may pose a challenge to some of our guests, there have been no incidents to date with smart bags on airplanes and we want to keep it that way. As this technology continues to evolve, we will work with the industry and our partner airlines to evaluate all safety policies and provide clear guidance regarding the safe use of smart bags.”

FSF Editorial Staff. December 8, 2017

News, Lithium Batteries, Dangerous Goods

American, Delta to Restrict Use of ‘Smart Bags’ for Safety Reasons

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines both have announced restrictions on passenger-carried “smart bags” that contain lithium-ion battery power banks. Effective Jan. 15, 2018, smart bags will only be allowed on Delta and American flights if the lithium batteries that power the bags’ built-in features are removable. If the bags have non-removable batteries, they will not be accepted as either carry-on or checked baggage.

The restriction is being implemented because of “the potential for the powerful batteries to overheat and pose a fire hazard risk during flight,” Delta said in a news release.

“[C]ustomers who travel with a smart bag must be able to remove the battery in case the bag has to be checked at any point in the customer’s journey,” American said. “If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be allowed.”
Delta said its new smart bags policy is similar to its policy requiring customers to place spare lithium-ion batteries in their carry-on luggage.

According to the International Air Transport Association’s 2017 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, “power banks are considered spare batteries and must be individually protected from short-circuit and carried in carry-on baggage only.”

Smart bags, which are growing in popularity, often include a lithium-ion battery power bank that allows charging of personal electronic devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops, and that powers global positioning system tracking devices and other features. Some smart bags also include lithium battery–powered motors that allow the bags to be used as personal transportation devices.

Smart bags often are built to a size suitable for carry-on baggage, but can end up being checked on crowded flights or on flights operated with aircraft with smaller overhead bins.

FSF Editorial Staff. December 4, 2017

News, Lithium Batteries, Smoke Fire Fumes

SriLankan Airlines Cabin Crew Douses In-Flight Fire Possibly Linked to Lithium Batteries

SriLankan Airlines is praising cabin crewmembers for their handling of an in-flight fire Sunday aboard an Airbus A330-200 operating a scheduled service, Flight UL 166 from Kochi, India, to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

According to a statement released by the airline, cabin crew in the aft area of the airplane noticed smoke emanating from an overhead luggage bin. After notifying the cabin manager and captain, the cabin crew opened the bin, saw smoke emitting from a bag and sprayed it with a fire extinguisher. They removed the bag and carried it to the aft galley, where it began to smoke again. The crew then immersed the bag in a container of water and the bag stopped smoking. The crew subsequently found a lithium battery pack and two mobile phones in the bag.

None of the passengers or crew was injured in the incident. The aircraft was met on arrival at Colombo by firefighters, dangerous goods experts and other safety personnel, the airline said. The passengers were disembarked in the usual manner.

“SriLankan Airlines commends the crew of flight UL 166 for their vigilance, timely action and calmness under pressure in adopting the proper procedures, which avoided a major incident,” the airline said.

The airlline also said it has launched an investigation into the incident, as have the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka

FSF Editorial Staff. August 1, 2017

News, Lithium Batteries, Dangerous Goods

UPDATE: U.S. Laptop Ban Lifted for 4 Airlines

Qatar Airways passengers are again able to carry their personal electronic devices in the passenger cabin on flights bound to the United States from Doha, the airline said Thursday.

“Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s new security guidelines,” the airline said in a statement posted on its website.

Earlier this week, three airlines based in the Middle East said they had met strict new U.S. requirements for passenger screening and the U.S. government has told them that their passengers are again permitted to carry personal electronic devices (PEDs) onto U.S.-bound flights.

Etihad Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines say their procedures have satisfied the requirements set forth last week by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly for stepped-up security measures intended to discourage terrorist action against airliners.

Kelly’s order followed a March ban on electronic devices larger than cell phones from the passenger cabins of commercial flights bound for the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa. There were suggestions that the ban on PEDs be expanded to other airports, but instead, Kelly called for a package of new security measures for all commercial flights to the United States and said that the ban would be lifted for airlines that complied.

“Dear passengers,” Turkish Airlines said in an announcement posted Wednesday on its Facebook page, “welcome on board to our U.S.-bound flight. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices.”

Also on Wednesday, Emirates said that “effective immediately,” laptops and PEDs were being permitted in the cabins of its flights from Dubai to the United States.

Etihad, the first airline to comply, made a similar announcement Sunday.

The U.S. requirements ordered last week called for enhanced screening of passengers and their PEDs, increased security around aircraft and in passenger areas, use of more advanced technology and establishment of additional preclearance locations.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on July 6. It was originally published July 5.

FSF Editorial Staff. July 5, 2017

2017 FSF Press Releases

Flight Safety Foundation Statement on New Security Measures Outlined by DHS

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Flight Safety Foundation expressed its support Thursday for the enhanced aviation security measures announced by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John F. Kelly.

“The enhanced security measures announced by Secretary Kelly reflect a balanced and comprehensive approach to combat the continuing threat of terrorist attacks on commercial aviation, while taking into account the need to continually mitigate potential safety risks,” said Jon Beatty, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation. “We want to commend Secretary Kelly and DHS for their deliberate and thoughtful approach to this issue and willingness to take input from multiple stakeholders.”

The Foundation is hopeful that implementing the new security measures will obviate the need to require that large personal electronic devices be transported in checked baggage rather than in the passenger cabin. Introducing large numbers of lithium-battery powered devices into cargo holds in checked baggage is a potential safety risk that must be addressed.

“The Foundation strongly believes that a collaborative, data-driven, risk-based approach is the best way to ensure the safety and security of the aviation industry and its passengers and shippers,” Beatty said.

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About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.

Media Contact:
Frank Jackman, Vice President, Communications
+1 703-739-6700, ext. 116
jackman@flightsafety.org

FSF Communications Staff. June 29, 2017

News, Lithium Batteries, Dangerous Goods

New Security Measures Ordered for U.S.-Bound Flights

Citing continuing terrorist threats to passenger aircraft, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has ordered a package of stepped-up security measures to be implemented for all commercial flights to the United States.

The measures, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said would be “both seen and unseen,” will include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices and increased security standards for airports and aircraft, and will be applied to about 2,100 flights carrying 325,000 passengers to the United States daily from 280 airports in 105 countries.

“Terrorists want to bring down aircraft to instill fear, disrupt our economies and undermine our way of life,” Kelly said on Wednesday. “And it works — which is why they still see aviation as a crown jewel target.”

He said the U.S. government is “focused on deterring, detecting and disrupting these threats” through the new security measures as well as the March order to ban electronic devices larger than cell phones from passenger cabins of commercial flights bound for the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa.

That announcement in March was followed by suggestions that the electronics ban might be extended to other airports.

In his announcement Wednesday, Kelly said that if airports and airlines “choose not to cooperate or are slow to adopt these measures,” the United States still could extend that ban and could impose additional restrictions — or suspend flights to the United States from noncompliant airports or on noncompliant airlines.

In addition to enhanced screening of passengers and personal electronic devices, the new measures will include increased security around aircraft and in passenger areas, use of more advanced technology and establishment of additional preclearance locations, DHS said.

The restrictions on personal electronic devices implemented in March will be removed if the airports involved comply with the enhanced security measures, DHS said.

FSF Editorial Staff. June 29, 2017

News, Lithium Batteries, Dangerous Goods

IATA Calls for Greater Cooperation on Security, Again Questions Laptop Ban

Cracks are beginning to show in the “natural partnership” on security between governments and airlines, Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said Monday at IATA’s Annual General Meeting in Cancun, Mexico.

De Juniac, who has been critical of U.S. and U.K. government restrictions on the carriage of large personal electronic devices (PEDs) in the passenger cabins on flights from select Middle East and North African airports, said, “We need to get security right. There is a clear duty to make sure that the measures are logical, effective and efficient. This is not the case with the current ban. And it must change.”

In March, acting on intelligence, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented restrictions on flights from 10 Middle East and North African airports to the United States that required all laptops, tablets and other PEDs larger than a smartphone or cell phone to be carried in checked baggage and not in carry-ons. The U.K. implemented similar restrictions on flights from six countries. De Juniac said the restrictions caught everyone by surprise and were decided with “no consultation with industry” and little time to implement.

“We must trust that valid intelligence underpinned the U.K. and U.S. decisions,” de Juniac said in the Director General’s Report to the Global Air Transport Industry. “But the measures themselves test the confidence of the industry and the public — confidence that is critical for the success of any security regime.”

He said the measures are being questioned because the United States and the U.K. are “not aligned” on the airports that present a risk; Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which are members of the Five Eyes intelligence gathering and sharing alliance with the U.S. and the U.K. “are mitigating the threat without a ban”; and because questions about the safety of placing many lithium battery–powered devices in the baggage hold have not been answered.

De Juniac said alternatives must be found to the laptop ban. In a separate presentation, Matthew Vaughn, IATA’s director of security, and Nick Careen, the organization’s senior vice president, airport, passenger, cargo, security, outlined several short-term alternative measures, including:

Expanded use of explosive trace detection;
Expanded PED integrity (anti-tampering) analysis;
Increased training of screeners to detect this PED-based threat;
Increased deployment of behavioral detection officers and explosive detection dogs; and,
Utilization of data from the Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record for risk-based screening outcomes.

In the medium term, more advanced and faster explosive detection technology is the solution to bomb threats, de Juniac said, adding “but painfully slow certification processes must be accelerated so that we can actually use it.”

Security is a government responsibility and governments set the rules, de Juniac said, but the airline industry has operational expertise. “And we are asking for a robust dialogue with governments to put that expertise to good use. Quite frankly, it’s hard to understand the resistance. We could achieve better solutions by working together.”

Photo: Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general and CEO

FSF Editorial Staff. June 6, 2017

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