FAA issues safety alert on lithium batteries after UPS crash

The US FAA has issued a safety alert recommending that airlines adopt new procedures to reduce the risk of onboard fire posed by lithium batteries.

Airlines should ask customers to identify bulk shipments on airway bills and store such items in Class C cargo compartments, the FAA says. The agency also asks airlines to re-examine their own practices for transporting lithium batteries, as well as pay "special attention" to existing regulations.

The recommendations apply only to lithium batteries transported as cargo. Passengers and crewmembers can continue to use the power source without notifying the airline.

The safety alert was issued as the agency considers issuing a final rule with new proposals to reduce the risks of transporting such batteries. The proposed ruling is now under review by the Office of Management and Budget, which the administrative arm of the White House.

Non-peer-reviewed results of a study by the FAA Tech Centre show that lithium batteries can enter a condition called thermal runaway and reach temperatures over 593ºC (1,100ºF).

The safety alert comes one month after UPS flight 006, a Boeing 747-400, crashed in Dubai.

"Investigation of the crash is still underway, and the cause of the crash has not been determined," the FAA says. "We are aware, however, that the plane's cargo did include large quantities of lithium batteries and believe it prudent to advise operators of that fact."

Lithium-ion batteries deserve respect!

Richard Poate, Battery Certification Manager at TÜV Product Service, commented “lithium-ion batteries are found in more and more applications and whilst this chemistry provides great advantages in terms of performance we must never forget that this chemistry is quite volatile and must be treated with respect.  A key element of battery safety requires environmental and electrical testing to check their compliance during transportation.  Here at TÜV we routinely conduct such tests including altitude simulation, shock, vibration, short circuit and over-charge.  This recent incident just goes to reinforce the importance of battery testing in ensuring everyone’s safety.”

TÜV Product Service is accredited by UKAS to perform lithium-ion battery testing in accordance to UN Manual of Tests 38.3 Regulation.  This regulation is part of a wider set of regulations set out to ensure safety of goods during transit across air, sea and land. 

The environmental testing facilities at the purpose built testing laboratory in Fareham, Hampshire, covers an area of 1200m² and has a unique combination of test facilities.

It is also important that batteries are tested and that packaging handlers are trained to identify lithium-ion batteries from information provided and packaging markings and use approved methods for safe handling.

For more information about TÜV Product Service visit http://www.tuvps.co.uk. Alternatively contact us on +44 (0)1489 558100 or email info@tuvps.co.uk

To view the original article by Flight Global on the 8/10/10 please find the following link: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/08/348306/faa-issues-safety-alert-on-lithium-batteries-after-ups.html