Batteries not included: aviation regulator issues Christmas warning

Lithium batteries, in particular, are a growing safety concern to the aviation industry. This follows a number of incidents in which batteries that had not been treated appropriately are believed to have started fires on aircraft. Such batteries are used in the majority of portable electronic devices, such asMP3 players, digital cameras, electronic readers, camcorders and laptop computers. 



Last month a mobile phone caught fire on a Boeing 747 inbound to London Heathrow after being crushed by a seat as a passenger reclined. Cabin crew were able to extinguish the fire before any serious damage occurred. 



When installed correctly, lithium batteries are unlikely to cause a problem, but they do pose a serious risk of short circuiting – which can lead to a fire – if packed loose. Overheating can also occur if the device in which they are installed activates inadvertently in-flight. Lithium batteries, even when contained in equipment, are not permitted in airmail and, since letters and parcels sent in the post will often be carried on aircraft even for relatively short domestic journeys (particularly ‘next day’ services), such items are not permitted at all by Royal Mail. Counterfeit batteries, without the necessary inbuilt safety features, are also a serious and growing concern. 



Geoff Leach, Manager of the Dangerous Goods Office at the CAA, said: “Over the coming weeks many people will be sending gifts in the post, or taking them in their luggage as they fly off for Christmas. If these presents are electronic devices, we urge the sender or passenger not to include any batteries, particularly lithium batteries. We have seen a number of serious incidents in the last couple of years in which these batteries are believed to have started fires in cargo shipments. Some lithium batteries are permitted in passenger baggage, but specific conditions apply; details of these can be found on the CAA web site.” 



Lithium batteries are not the only concern for airlines, however. Dangerous goods that must not be sent in the post or carried as checked or hand luggage are: 



• explosives, such as fireworks, flares, toy gun caps; 

• gases, such as culinary blowtorches, camping or compressed gas cylinders, tear gas, mace or CS gas devices; 

• flammable materials such as petrol, lighter fuel, paint, thinners, non-safety matches, firelighters; 

• poisons, such as weed killers, insecticides; and 

• corrosives, such as filled car batteries. 



Goods that may be carried by passengers include: 

• safety matches or a single lighter when carried on the person. One lighter per person may be carried through central search. Lighters form part of the passenger allowance permitted in the one litre capacity transparent bag and can either be placed inside the bag or screened separately. It is very important that passengers do not place the lighter into their cabin bag after screening – it must be carried on the person for the duration of the flight. Separate lighter refills are not permitted. LIGHTERS AND MATCHES MUST NOT BE PLACED IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. 

• battery powered wheelchairs subject to certain safety conditions, including ensuring the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair, protecting the battery from short circuiting, and ensuring that the wheelchair cannot become switched on during transport. Passengers should contact their airline in advance to check whether special conditions apply; and 

• Toiletry or medicinal articles (including aerosols). Each item is limited to 500g/500mL with a maximum of 2kg or 2 Litres per passenger.

Source: UK CAA