September 11, Thursday:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised an alarm at the increasing risk posed by lithium battery gadgets like smartphones, computers, and power banks on aircraft. In a safety notice published Tuesday, the regulator called on US airlines to examine firefighting procedures and impose additional restrictions after a series of blaze incidents led to diversions and emergency evacuations.
At least 50 incidents of overheating, smoke, or fire associated with lithium batteries have occurred on aircraft this year alone, the FAA stated. “Safety risk assessments should consider the hazard posed by the stowage of lithium batteries in areas not visible or easily accessible to passengers or crewmembers," the notice said.
Why are the power banks most risky?
Lithium batteries may enter "thermal runaway," in which a cell overheats, causing a chain reaction of escalating heat and flames that is hard to put out. Although all portable electronics pose some danger, the FAA noted that power banks are particularly dangerous as they have fewer safety features built into them and have more fuel cells.
The agency cautioned airlines against using only fire containment bags, stating the main approach should be to extinguish the device with water or other non-flammable liquids until the reaction slows down.
Airlines around the globe are already clamping down
Some airlines have already edged ahead of U.S. airlines. Southwest Airlines is already asking passengers to keep power banks in sight while in use, and Emirates is prohibiting their use for charging devices altogether as of Oct. 1.
The FAA has also encouraged airlines to take better steps towards informing travelers of the dangers of lithium batteries and to practice vigilance while such devices are stored in the cabin.
As the number of passengers increases and portable gadgets become more common, the FAA warning indicates that airlines might soon have stricter security regulations to abide by in the skies.
