Originally posted January 1, 2008
Flying with Batteries: New Safety Rule
I can tell you from my years of nursing experience that compliance is drastically increased by knowledge. If I TOLD my patient the post-surgical care instructions without explaining WHY the simple steps made a big difference, many times the blank stare would indicate who would be returning with infections in the coming weeks.
So – instead of just TELLING the traveling public not to pack spare batteries in luggage because it is a new rule, I think it is more effective to educate them as to WHY it is in their best interest to follow these new safety rules.
Here is the rule:
Starting January 1, 2008, no loose batteries will be allowed in checked baggage- they are allowed in the carry-on. This is a rule set up by the Department of Transportation (don’t abuse the TSA who are in place to enforce rules). This rule is through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Here is the explanation of WHY (including photo) http://safetravel.dot.gov/alpa.pdf
This rule is for safety purposes to minimize the risk that batteries could overheat and cause a fire. The thought process behind allowing spare lithium batteries in the cabin of the plane is that the flight attendants can use fire extinguishers in case of an incident of an overheated battery.
What does this mean for the traveling family? Yes, you can bring the cell phone, digital camera, laptop- but do not remove the battery. If you have any spare batteries for them- here are the rules:
1) Carry them in your carry-on, not in checked luggage
2) Keep them in original packaging or a plastic bag (you have bought stock in Ziploc, haven’t you?)
-this prevents unintentional fires from short circuiting batteries
3) Place tape across the battery’s contacts.
-Do not allow keys or coins to come into contact with these batteries (Remember those keys , jewelry, and coins you tossed into your bag going through security? They are enough to short-circuit your battery!)
4) Do not allow battery to be crushed or apply pressure to the battery.
5) Spare batteries are limited to 2 per person
6) Beware of counterfeit or damaged batteries. These are more likely to cause problems.
7) Do not recharge batteries that are not rechargeable.
Don’t freak out. You CAN still fly with your digital equipment. Take a moment the days before your trip to review the latest restrictions. (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm Look through your belongings and pack accordingly. It does not pay to argue about these rules- quite the opposite actually.
Preparation is becoming more and more important when flying. But doesn’t it help to actually understand the WHY behind this rule?
Here are more sources for this info:
http://safetravel.dot.gov/index_batteries.html
http://safetravel.dot.gov/tips.html
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm (scroll down on this TSA page for specific tips on transporting batteries safely)
Addendum: I have to include this article from the NY Times. It does make it difficult to follow these rules when they are not so easily defined!
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