Safe Air Travel

Safe Air Travel - Electronic Devices and Batteries

By Cheryl Heppner

At the June 3, 2008 Department of Transportation Forum in Washington, DC, information was shared about the dangers of traveling with batteries and battery-powered devices. Lithium ion (LI) batteries are a big concern. They are now used frequently in laptop computers, cell phones, cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other battery-powered devices.

Last year an air filter powered by an LI battery exploded on an airplane passenger, and in another incident a computer with an IL battery burst into flames when a passenger plugged it into an outlet. LI batteries are dangerous because when they catch fire they can only be cooled, not extinguished. All LI batteries and battery-operated devices should be carried on board the plane. Do not check them in with your luggage.

The US Department of Transportation's Flight and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration gives this additional information:

Batteries pose little risk contained in the devices they power. Leave batteries in your equipment; it's the safest place.
Use only chargers designed for your type of batteries. If unsure about compatibility, contact the manufacturer.
Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage, not the baggage you check at the counter.
Keep loose batteries away from metal objects such as coins, keys or jewelry.
If you do not have the store packaging, tape across the battery's metal parts (terminals), or place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package.
Prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery.
Don't carry damaged or recalled batteries or equipment on the aircraft.
Check battery recall information at the manufacturer's website, or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov.
Avoid dropping laptop computers or other devices.
Purchase batteries from a reliable source.
If you must carry a battery-powered device in any baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. For instance, you should pack a cordless power tool in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged.

For more information: www.SafeTravel.dot.gov