The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is concerned about the potential fire hazards involving one common passenger carry-on item.
On Tuesday, the FAA issued a warning to aircraft operators about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries on planes. The notice comes after the TSA and FAA previously announced a ban on lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage.
“Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data shows a number of safety events involving lithium batteries. Lithium batteries (including power banks and portable chargers) can act as ignition sources and potentially start onboard fires,” the FAA said. “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage, may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers. Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.”
Some of the recommendations the FAA made for airlines to combat this potential problem include following appropriate risk management protocol and safety guidelines, reviewing lithium battery firefighting processes, procedures, and training and making sure passengers are aware of the risks of lithium-ion batteries, as well as the proper way to handle and store them.
‘Thermal runway’ is the major concern
When the FAA and TSA jointly announced that lithium-ion batteries would no longer be allowed inside checked luggage, they cited concerns about the items overheating and initiating the process of “thermal runway.”
“Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects,” the FAA said at the time.
Included in the FAA/TSA ban are spare lithium metal and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches and calculators, as well as any external battery chargers or power banks that contain a lithium-ion battery.
There is also one other common item that can pose a risk, and it’s likely one that you wouldn’t consider if you were about to board an airplane.
Electric toothbrushes are also a fire risk
Last week, the TSA told travelers to take a closer look at their electronic toothbrushes before flying.
“Traveling with your electric toothbrush, or other items that buzz? If they have an installed lithium battery you should pack them in your carry-on bag. Any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must be placed in a carry-on bag,” the TSA wrote in a Facebook post.
A more comprehensive list of items to beware of can be found here.
