FAA On Lithium Batteries

The FAA Friday released a Security Alert to address "risks in transporting lithium batteries in cargo by aircraft" noting that UPS Flight 006, a 747 that crashed on September 3, was carrying large quantities of lithium batteries. Fireplace was reported on the UPS flight however the FAA notes that a trigger in the crash has not yet been determined. The crash destroyed the aircraft and killed the crew. The FAA has located that lithium metal batteries aren't only "highly flammable and capable of ignition" but also possess destructive explosive potential. The agency says Halon 1301, the fire suppression agent found in Class C cargo holds, "is ineffective in controlling a lithium steel cell fire" and lithium metallic battery explosions can lead to "rapid fire spread" in cargo compartments. Lithium-ion batteries are somewhat various. They can exhibit the same thermal runaway as lithium steel batteries, however the FAA says Halon 1301 is capable of suppressing lithium-ion battery fires. The FAA's recommendations are limited to batteries flown in cargo holds and do not apply to batteries carried by passengers or crew. The FAA is contemplating courses for further action.

The FAA recommends that all carriers attempt to identify lithium batteries and stow bulk shipments in Class C cargo compartments "or in locations where laternative hearth suppression is available." It encourages carriers to evaluate their training stowage and communication protocols with respect to "the transportation and of lithium batteries in the event of an unrelated fireplace." And requests that carriers pay unique attention to ensure safe handling and compliance with regulations covering Class 9 hazardous materials. At present, you'll find "no approved and tested containers that may contain the recognized effects of accidental lithium steel battery ignition." Access the FAA's flammability assessments via links at the bottom in the second page of the Security Alert