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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
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