Advisory Guidance; Transportation of Batteries and Battery-Powered Devices by Airline Passengers and Crew Members, 14167-14169 [E7-5562]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 57 / Monday, March 26, 2007 / Notices
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Dockets Office (telephone
1–800–647–5527) is on the plaza level
of the NASSIF Building at the
Department of Transportation at the
above address. Also, you may review
public dockets on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jan
Thor, ANM–113, (425) 227–2127,
Federal Aviation Administration, 1601
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–
3356 (for STRONG Aero Engineering),
or Frances Shaver, (202–267–9681),
Office of Rulemaking (ARM–1), Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591. This notice is
published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85 and
11.91.
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 19,
2007.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
Petitions for Exemption
Docket No.: FAA–2007–27452.
Petitioner: STRONG Aero
Engineering.
Section of 14 CFR Affected: 14 CFR
25.853(d).
Description of Relief Sought: STRONG
Aero Engineering is seeking an
exemption from § 25.853(d) to permit
use of interior materials that do not
comply with the head release and
smoke emissions requirements, on
McDonnell Douglas DC–9–87 (MD–87)
airplanes, with certain limitations.
[FR Doc. E7–5495 Filed 3–23–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
[Docket No. FTA–2007–27663]
Notice of Request for the Extension of
a Currently Approved Information
Collection
AGENCY:
Federal Transit Administration,
DOT.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
ACTION:
Notice of request for comments.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the intention of the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to
request the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) to extend the following
currently approved information
collection:
49 U.S.C. 5310 and 5311—Capital
Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and
Persons with Disabilities and Nonurbanized
Area Formula Program
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:30 Mar 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
Comments must be submitted
before May 25, 2007.
ADDRESSES: All written comments must
refer to the docket number that appears
at the top of this document and be
submitted to the United States
Department of Transportation, Central
Dockets Office, PL–401, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. All
comments received will be available for
examination at the above address from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. Those
desiring notification of receipt of
comments must include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard/envelope.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Cheryl Oliver, Office of Program
Management, (202) 366–2053.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested
parties are invited to send comments
regarding any aspect of this information
collection, including: (1) The necessity
and utility of the information collection
for the proper performance of the
functions of the FTA; (2) the accuracy
of the estimated burden; (3) ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the collected information; and (4)
ways to minimize the collection burden
without reducing the quality of the
collected information. Comments
submitted in response to this notice will
be summarized and/or included in the
request for OMB approval of this
information collection.
DATES:
Title: 49 U.S.C. 5310 and 5311—Capital
Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and
Persons with Disabilities and Nonurbanized
Area Formula Program (OMB Number: 2132–
0500)
Background: The Capital Assistance
Program for Elderly Persons and Persons
with Disabilities provides financial
assistance for the specialized
transportation service needs of elderly
persons and persons with disabilities.
The program is administered by the
States and may be used in all areas,
urbanized, small urban, and rural. The
Nonurbanized Area Formula Program
provides financial assistance for the
provision of public transportation
services in nonurbanized areas and this
program is also administered by the
States. 49 U.S.C. 5310 and 5311
authorize FTA to review applications
for federal financial assistance to
determine eligibility and compliance
with statutory and administrative
requirements. Information collected
during the application stage includes
the project budget, which identifies
funds requested for project
implementation; a program of projects,
which identifies subrecipients to be
funded, the amount of funding that each
will receive, and a description of the
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14167
projects to be funded; the project
implementation plan; the State
management plan; a list of annual
certifications and assurances; and
public hearings notice, certification and
transcript. The applications must
contain sufficient information to enable
FTA to make the findings required by
law to enforce the program
requirements. Information collected
during the project management stage
includes an annual financial report, an
annual program status report, and preaward and post-delivery audits. The
annual financial report and program
status report provide a basis for
monitoring approved projects to ensure
timely and appropriate expenditure of
federal funds by grant recipients.
Respondents: State and local
government, business or other for-profit
institutions, non-profit institutions, and
small business organizations.
Estimated Annual Burden on
Respondents: 102.44 hours for each of
the respondents.
Estimated Total Annual Burden:
11,370 hours.
Frequency: Annual.
Issued: March 20, 2007.
Ann M. Linnertz,
Associate Administrator for Administration.
[FR Doc. E7–5416 Filed 3–23–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
[Docket No. PHMSA–2007–27493; Notice
No. 07–02]
Advisory Guidance; Transportation of
Batteries and Battery-Powered Devices
by Airline Passengers and Crew
Members
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), DOT.
ACTION: Safety advisory.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration is
issuing this advisory to inform the
traveling public and airline employees
about the importance of properly
packing and handling batteries and
battery-powered devices when they are
carried aboard aircraft. Thousands of
batteries and battery-powered devices
are safely carried aboard passenger
aircraft each day, but several recent
incidents involving batteries in checked
or carry-on baggage illustrate the risks of
overheating and fire that can occur
when the regulations are not followed.
Federal regulations require that
E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM
26MRN1
14168
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 57 / Monday, March 26, 2007 / Notices
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
electrical storage batteries or batterypowered devices carried aboard
passenger aircraft be properly packaged
or protected to avoid short-circuiting or
overheating. In this safety advisory, we
suggest various practical measures for
complying with the regulations and
minimizing transportation risks.
Recommended practices include
keeping batteries installed in electronic
devices; packing spare batteries in carryon baggage; keeping spare batteries in
their original retail packaging;
separating batteries from other metallic
objects such as keys, coins and jewelry
by packing individual batteries in a
sturdy plastic bag; securely packing
battery-powered equipment in a manner
to prevent accidental activation; and
ensuring batteries are undamaged and
purchased from reputable sources.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hazardous Materials Information
Center, Office of Hazardous Materials
Standards, PHMSA, Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC, 20590–0001.
Telephone: (800) 467–4922 or (202)
366–4488.
I. Introduction
Technological advances and the
demands of a mobile society have made
the use of portable electronic equipment
and other battery-powered devices an
established part of the modern
American lifestyle. Americans
increasingly own—and travel with—
portable telephones, computers,
cameras, camcorders, entertainment
devices, and medical equipment—even
cordless power tools. The batteries that
power these devices are increasingly as
varied as the products themselves: they
are manufactured by many different
companies, foreign and domestic, rely
on a variety of power-generating
technologies, established and newer;
and come in all manner of shapes and
sizes.
Portable battery-powered devices and
batteries are safe for transportation
when packed properly. But like many
other materials that are part of daily
consumer use, they must be handled
and packaged appropriately to prevent
unsafe conditions. A power tool that can
be safely used for its intended purpose
can cause damage if it is unintentionally
activated inside a closed suitcase.
Similarly, a battery can cause damage if
it is improperly charged, abused, or
short-circuited.
II. Safe Transportation of Electronic
Devices and Spare Batteries
As the Federal regulatory agency with
responsibility for the safe movement of
hazardous materials by all modes of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:30 Mar 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
transportation, it is PHMSA’s job to
establish safety standards for the safe
transportation of batteries and batterypowered devices. Our goal is to
minimize risks to persons, property, and
the environment, while keeping these
materials moving in commerce. We
apply the highest standards to
transportation by air, recognizing that
any fire aboard a passenger flight is
unacceptable.
A. Passenger Regulations
PHMSA’s regulations (Hazardous
Materials Regulations (HMR; Title 49,
Code of Federal Regulations, parts 171–
180)) prohibit the transportation of
electrical devices, unless the devices are
packed in a manner to prevent sparks or
overheating (see § 173.21(c)). Airline
passengers who carry batteries or
electrical devices in carry-on or checked
baggage are responsible for ensuring
appropriate steps are taken to protect
against dangerous levels of heat that can
be generated by inadvertent activation
or short-circuiting of these devices
while in transportation.
B. Recent Transportation Incidents
Over the past several years, we have
received a number of reports of
transportation incidents involving
various kinds of batteries and batterypowered devices, including incidents
involving passenger airline operations.
The most recent incident occurred on
February 10, 2007, aboard a flight
originating at JFK International Airport.
Shortly after takeoff, a fire ignited in a
passenger bag stowed in an overhead
bin. Fast and appropriate action by the
crew brought the fire under control and
prevented injury to passengers and
crew. The flight crew promptly
extinguished the fire and the flight
returned to JFK for an emergency
landing. Although the fire is still under
investigation by PHMSA, the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), and the
National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB), preliminary reports indicate
batteries were involved in the incident.
Other incidents have occurred on the
ground. Last May, we received a report
of a fire involving a spare lithium ion
battery that had been stowed in a
passenger’s notebook computer carrying
case. A flight attendant removed the
burning case from the passenger cabin,
and tossed it onto the ramp, where the
fire was extinguished by ground
personnel.
On April 18, 2004, at Chicago’s
Midway Airport, a power drill with an
installed nickel cadmium battery
activated while in checked luggage. This
caused a fire that spread to other bags
PO 00000
Frm 00097
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
on a luggage cart waiting to be loaded
onto a passenger aircraft.
In June 2003, we received reports that
an overheated battery had been
discovered in a routine baggage
inspection of a flight departing from
Logan Airport in Boston. The battery
had been loosely packed in a toolbox,
along with various metal tools. We
believe the heat build-up was caused by
short-circuiting when the battery’s
exposed terminals came in contact with
metal objects in the toolbox.
C. Battery Operation and Risks
By design, all batteries operate
through a controlled chemical reaction,
which generates electrical energy and,
in the process, some degree of heat.
Batteries are designed to generate an
electrical current and transmit power
through terminals made of a conductive
metal. It is their capacity to perform that
basic function that makes them useful
but, if not properly handled, designed or
manufactured, poses a risk of
overheating and fire.
External short-circuiting of a battery
can occur from contact or close
proximity of metal objects or other
batteries near exposed terminals. The
newest generation of batteries using
lithium metal or lithium ion technology
pose particular risks, based on their
energy density and chemistry, and
because fires involving these batteries
are more difficult to extinguish or
suppress. Even nickel cadmium and
nickel metal-hydride batteries can
generate large amounts of current and
heat when short-circuited.
As with any product, manufacturing
defects also can cause safety problems.
Last summer, several major notebook
computer manufacturers initiated
recalls of their lithium ion batteries after
learning of overheating and fires caused
by a production defect in the batteries
installed in the notebooks. According to
the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, manufacturers have
voluntarily recalled over 10 million
lithium-ion batteries in the last few
years. We are also aware of risks
associated with overcharging and
internal short circuits that have led to
battery recalls.
D. Measures for Safe Transportation of
Batteries
We are aware that travelers want to
take appropriate measures to ensure
their safety and that of their fellow
passengers and may need reminders or
assistance to know how to travel safely
with batteries. We recommend the
following measures to ensure battery
terminals are effectively insulated and
E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM
26MRN1
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 57 / Monday, March 26, 2007 / Notices
batteries and equipment are protected
from damage and accidental initiation:
(1) Keep batteries installed in portable
electronic devices. Passengers can safely
carry electronic devices with installed
batteries, such as, cellular phones,
notebook computers, cameras,
camcorders, entertainment devices, and
medical equipment, in the passenger
cabin of an airplane. When replacing
with a spare battery during flight,
handle batteries with care and pack
spare batteries safely.
(2) Pack spare batteries in carry-on
baggage. Conditions that could lead to
an incident are easier to detect in the
passenger compartment of an aircraft.
Flight crews have access to fire
extinguishers in the event of an in-flight
incident involving batteries.
(3) Keep spare batteries in the original
retail packaging. Batteries purchased
from retail stores are packaged in plastic
and cardboard packages intended for the
transport of those batteries. This
packaging prevents unintentional
activation and short-circuiting by
effectively isolating the batteries from
contact with each other and other
objects.
(4) If original packaging is not
available, effectively insulate battery
terminals. Effective insulation of battery
terminals will ensure batteries do not
short circuit from an external source.
Travelers can effectively insulate battery
terminals by isolating spare batteries
from contact with other batteries and
metal objects. If the original packaging
is unavailable or damaged, place each
battery individually in its own
protective case, plastic bag or package.
A sturdy, resealable plastic bag (e.g., a
freezer bag or sturdy resealable
sandwich bag) is suitable for this
purpose. Covering the battery terminals
with insulating tape, such as electrical
tape, is another effective method. We
recommend using both measures in
combination for batteries that have
protruding or sharp terminals (e.g.,
standard 9-volt batteries).
(5) Do not carry recalled, damaged, or
counterfeit batteries.
Do not carry aboard a plane recalled,
damaged or counterfeit batteries.
Information about recalled batteries can
be found at the manufacturer’s Web site
or from the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (https://www.cpsc.gov.)
Passengers should only use batteries
purchased from reputable sources.
(6) Prevent inadvertent activation of
battery-powered devices.
Leaving batteries in battery-powered
devices is an effective means of
insulating the terminals and protecting
against internal short-circuiting.
However, battery-powered devices with
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:30 Mar 23, 2007
Jkt 211001
installed batteries must be packaged to
prevent inadvertent activation. Cordless
power tools, for instance, should be
packed in a protective case, with a
trigger lock engaged.
E. Next Steps
The publication of this safety advisory
is one of several measures PHMSA is
taking, in consultation with FAA, the
NTSB, manufacturers of batteries and
consumer products, airlines, testing
laboratories, the emergency response
and law enforcement community and
other stakeholders, to respond to the
battery-related incidents.
The Air Line Pilots Association, in
conjunction with the International
Federation of Air Line Pilots
Associations, plans to simultaneously
publish to their members a Safety Alert
and Safety Bulletin respectively,
concerning the hazards associated with
in-flight passenger electronic equipment
fires, and steps crewmembers should
take in the event of a fire.
Over the next few months, PHMSA,
FAA, and other interested public and
private sector organizations will move
ahead with actions to enhance battery
transportation safety through
development and revision of safety
standards and public education and
outreach.
In the meantime, airline passengers
and crew members are reminded of their
existing obligations under PHMSA’s
regulations. As noted above, airline
passengers are prohibited from carrying
batteries and battery-powered
equipment aboard an aircraft unless the
device and batteries have been packaged
or protected against short-circuiting and
overheating.
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 22,
2007.
Theodore L. Willke,
Acting Associate Administrator for
Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. E7–5562 Filed 3–23–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–60–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
[STB Docket No. AB–254 (Sub-No. 9X)]
Providence and Worcester Railroad
Company—Abandonment Exemption—
Slatersville Secondary Track
(Woonsocket, RI and Blackstone, MA)
Providence and Worcester Railroad
Company (P&W) has filed a notice of
exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart
F—Exempt Abandonments to abandon a
portion of the Slatersville Secondary
Track located in Woonsocket,
PO 00000
Frm 00098
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
14169
Providence County, RI, extending from
milepost 0.85 +/¥ at the north side of
Boyden Street and continuing to a point
that is 1,480 +/¥ feet northerly of the
end of the track at milepost 0.0 in
Blackstone, Worcester County, MA, a
total distance of approximately 1.1
miles. The line traverses United States
Postal Service Zip Codes 02895 and
01504.
P&W has certified that: (1) No local
traffic has moved over the line for at
least 2 years; (2) there is no overhead
traffic on the line; (3) no formal
complaint filed by a user of rail service
on the line (or by a State or local
government entity acting on behalf of
such user) regarding cessation of service
over the line either is pending with the
Surface Transportation Board or with
any U.S. District Court or has been
decided in favor of complainant within
the 2-year period; and (4) the
requirements of 49 CFR 1105.7
(environmental report), 49 CFR 1105.8
(historic report), 49 CFR 1105.11
(transmittal letter), 49 CFR 1105.12
(newspaper publication), and 49 CFR
1152.50(d)(l) (notice to governmental
agencies) have been met.
As a condition to this exemption, any
employees adversely affected by the
abandonment shall be protected under
Oregon Short Line R. Co.—
Abandonment—Goshen, 360 I.C.C. 91
(1979). To address whether this
condition adequately protects affected
employees, a petition for partial
revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d)
must be filed.
Provided no formal expression of
intent to file an offer of financial
assistance (OFA) has been received, this
exemption will be effective on April 25,
2007, unless stayed pending
reconsideration. Petitions to stay that do
not involve environmental issues,1
formal expressions of intent to file an
OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(2),2 and
trail use/rail banking requests under 49
CFR 1152.29 must be filed by April 5,
2007. Petitions to reopen or requests for
public use conditions under 49 CFR
1152.28 must be filed by April 16, 2007,
with: Surface Transportation Board, 395
1 The Board will grant a stay if an informed
decision on environmental issues (whether raised
by a party or by the Board’s Section of
Environmental Analysis (SEA) in its independent
investigation) cannot be made before the
exemption’s effective date. See Exemption of Outof-Service Rail Lines, 5 I.C.C.2d 377 (1989). Any
request for a stay should be filed as soon as possible
so that the Board may take appropriate action before
the exemption’s effective date.
2 Each OFA must be accompanied by the filing fee
which is currently set at $1,300. See 49 CFR
1002.2(f)(25).
E:\FR\FM\26MRN1.SGM
26MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 57 (Monday, March 26, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14167-14169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5562]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[Docket No. PHMSA-2007-27493; Notice No. 07-02]
Advisory Guidance; Transportation of Batteries and Battery-
Powered Devices by Airline Passengers and Crew Members
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
DOT.
ACTION: Safety advisory.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is
issuing this advisory to inform the traveling public and airline
employees about the importance of properly packing and handling
batteries and battery-powered devices when they are carried aboard
aircraft. Thousands of batteries and battery-powered devices are safely
carried aboard passenger aircraft each day, but several recent
incidents involving batteries in checked or carry-on baggage illustrate
the risks of overheating and fire that can occur when the regulations
are not followed. Federal regulations require that
[[Page 14168]]
electrical storage batteries or battery-powered devices carried aboard
passenger aircraft be properly packaged or protected to avoid short-
circuiting or overheating. In this safety advisory, we suggest various
practical measures for complying with the regulations and minimizing
transportation risks. Recommended practices include keeping batteries
installed in electronic devices; packing spare batteries in carry-on
baggage; keeping spare batteries in their original retail packaging;
separating batteries from other metallic objects such as keys, coins
and jewelry by packing individual batteries in a sturdy plastic bag;
securely packing battery-powered equipment in a manner to prevent
accidental activation; and ensuring batteries are undamaged and
purchased from reputable sources.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hazardous Materials Information
Center, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, PHMSA, Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, 20590-0001.
Telephone: (800) 467-4922 or (202) 366-4488.
I. Introduction
Technological advances and the demands of a mobile society have
made the use of portable electronic equipment and other battery-powered
devices an established part of the modern American lifestyle. Americans
increasingly own--and travel with--portable telephones, computers,
cameras, camcorders, entertainment devices, and medical equipment--even
cordless power tools. The batteries that power these devices are
increasingly as varied as the products themselves: they are
manufactured by many different companies, foreign and domestic, rely on
a variety of power-generating technologies, established and newer; and
come in all manner of shapes and sizes.
Portable battery-powered devices and batteries are safe for
transportation when packed properly. But like many other materials that
are part of daily consumer use, they must be handled and packaged
appropriately to prevent unsafe conditions. A power tool that can be
safely used for its intended purpose can cause damage if it is
unintentionally activated inside a closed suitcase. Similarly, a
battery can cause damage if it is improperly charged, abused, or short-
circuited.
II. Safe Transportation of Electronic Devices and Spare Batteries
As the Federal regulatory agency with responsibility for the safe
movement of hazardous materials by all modes of transportation, it is
PHMSA's job to establish safety standards for the safe transportation
of batteries and battery-powered devices. Our goal is to minimize risks
to persons, property, and the environment, while keeping these
materials moving in commerce. We apply the highest standards to
transportation by air, recognizing that any fire aboard a passenger
flight is unacceptable.
A. Passenger Regulations
PHMSA's regulations (Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; Title
49, Code of Federal Regulations, parts 171-180)) prohibit the
transportation of electrical devices, unless the devices are packed in
a manner to prevent sparks or overheating (see Sec. 173.21(c)).
Airline passengers who carry batteries or electrical devices in carry-
on or checked baggage are responsible for ensuring appropriate steps
are taken to protect against dangerous levels of heat that can be
generated by inadvertent activation or short-circuiting of these
devices while in transportation.
B. Recent Transportation Incidents
Over the past several years, we have received a number of reports
of transportation incidents involving various kinds of batteries and
battery-powered devices, including incidents involving passenger
airline operations. The most recent incident occurred on February 10,
2007, aboard a flight originating at JFK International Airport. Shortly
after takeoff, a fire ignited in a passenger bag stowed in an overhead
bin. Fast and appropriate action by the crew brought the fire under
control and prevented injury to passengers and crew. The flight crew
promptly extinguished the fire and the flight returned to JFK for an
emergency landing. Although the fire is still under investigation by
PHMSA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), preliminary reports indicate
batteries were involved in the incident.
Other incidents have occurred on the ground. Last May, we received
a report of a fire involving a spare lithium ion battery that had been
stowed in a passenger's notebook computer carrying case. A flight
attendant removed the burning case from the passenger cabin, and tossed
it onto the ramp, where the fire was extinguished by ground personnel.
On April 18, 2004, at Chicago's Midway Airport, a power drill with
an installed nickel cadmium battery activated while in checked luggage.
This caused a fire that spread to other bags on a luggage cart waiting
to be loaded onto a passenger aircraft.
In June 2003, we received reports that an overheated battery had
been discovered in a routine baggage inspection of a flight departing
from Logan Airport in Boston. The battery had been loosely packed in a
toolbox, along with various metal tools. We believe the heat build-up
was caused by short-circuiting when the battery's exposed terminals
came in contact with metal objects in the toolbox.
C. Battery Operation and Risks
By design, all batteries operate through a controlled chemical
reaction, which generates electrical energy and, in the process, some
degree of heat. Batteries are designed to generate an electrical
current and transmit power through terminals made of a conductive
metal. It is their capacity to perform that basic function that makes
them useful but, if not properly handled, designed or manufactured,
poses a risk of overheating and fire.
External short-circuiting of a battery can occur from contact or
close proximity of metal objects or other batteries near exposed
terminals. The newest generation of batteries using lithium metal or
lithium ion technology pose particular risks, based on their energy
density and chemistry, and because fires involving these batteries are
more difficult to extinguish or suppress. Even nickel cadmium and
nickel metal-hydride batteries can generate large amounts of current
and heat when short-circuited.
As with any product, manufacturing defects also can cause safety
problems. Last summer, several major notebook computer manufacturers
initiated recalls of their lithium ion batteries after learning of
overheating and fires caused by a production defect in the batteries
installed in the notebooks. According to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, manufacturers have voluntarily recalled over 10 million
lithium-ion batteries in the last few years. We are also aware of risks
associated with overcharging and internal short circuits that have led
to battery recalls.
D. Measures for Safe Transportation of Batteries
We are aware that travelers want to take appropriate measures to
ensure their safety and that of their fellow passengers and may need
reminders or assistance to know how to travel safely with batteries. We
recommend the following measures to ensure battery terminals are
effectively insulated and
[[Page 14169]]
batteries and equipment are protected from damage and accidental
initiation:
(1) Keep batteries installed in portable electronic devices.
Passengers can safely carry electronic devices with installed
batteries, such as, cellular phones, notebook computers, cameras,
camcorders, entertainment devices, and medical equipment, in the
passenger cabin of an airplane. When replacing with a spare battery
during flight, handle batteries with care and pack spare batteries
safely.
(2) Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage. Conditions that could
lead to an incident are easier to detect in the passenger compartment
of an aircraft. Flight crews have access to fire extinguishers in the
event of an in-flight incident involving batteries.
(3) Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging.
Batteries purchased from retail stores are packaged in plastic and
cardboard packages intended for the transport of those batteries. This
packaging prevents unintentional activation and short-circuiting by
effectively isolating the batteries from contact with each other and
other objects.
(4) If original packaging is not available, effectively insulate
battery terminals. Effective insulation of battery terminals will
ensure batteries do not short circuit from an external source.
Travelers can effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating spare
batteries from contact with other batteries and metal objects. If the
original packaging is unavailable or damaged, place each battery
individually in its own protective case, plastic bag or package. A
sturdy, resealable plastic bag (e.g., a freezer bag or sturdy
resealable sandwich bag) is suitable for this purpose. Covering the
battery terminals with insulating tape, such as electrical tape, is
another effective method. We recommend using both measures in
combination for batteries that have protruding or sharp terminals
(e.g., standard 9-volt batteries).
(5) Do not carry recalled, damaged, or counterfeit batteries.
Do not carry aboard a plane recalled, damaged or counterfeit
batteries. Information about recalled batteries can be found at the
manufacturer's Web site or from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(https://www.cpsc.gov.) Passengers should only use batteries purchased
from reputable sources.
(6) Prevent inadvertent activation of battery-powered devices.
Leaving batteries in battery-powered devices is an effective means
of insulating the terminals and protecting against internal short-
circuiting. However, battery-powered devices with installed batteries
must be packaged to prevent inadvertent activation. Cordless power
tools, for instance, should be packed in a protective case, with a
trigger lock engaged.
E. Next Steps
The publication of this safety advisory is one of several measures
PHMSA is taking, in consultation with FAA, the NTSB, manufacturers of
batteries and consumer products, airlines, testing laboratories, the
emergency response and law enforcement community and other
stakeholders, to respond to the battery-related incidents.
The Air Line Pilots Association, in conjunction with the
International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, plans to
simultaneously publish to their members a Safety Alert and Safety
Bulletin respectively, concerning the hazards associated with in-flight
passenger electronic equipment fires, and steps crewmembers should take
in the event of a fire.
Over the next few months, PHMSA, FAA, and other interested public
and private sector organizations will move ahead with actions to
enhance battery transportation safety through development and revision
of safety standards and public education and outreach.
In the meantime, airline passengers and crew members are reminded
of their existing obligations under PHMSA's regulations. As noted
above, airline passengers are prohibited from carrying batteries and
battery-powered equipment aboard an aircraft unless the device and
batteries have been packaged or protected against short-circuiting and
overheating.
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2007.
Theodore L. Willke,
Acting Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. E7-5562 Filed 3-23-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
