The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is renewing its warnings about the risks posed by lithium batteries as personal devices become commonplace among almost all passengers. Releasing another safety information bulletin (SIB) on the topic, EASA noted an increased number of safety events involving lithium batteries that passengers carried onboard commercial aircraft.
The SIB urges air carriers to expand and reinforce their communications to passengers about lithium batteries. Passengers may not include lithium batteries in checked baggage or baggage that is inaccessible from the cabin. In addition, EASA reminds of the importance of training air carrier staff and airport staff on the risks and dangerous goods restrictions.
“Smartphones and computers powered by lithium batteries are now an inherent part of our daily lives, and we know that each passenger now takes four to five such items with them on a flight,” said Jesper Rasmussen, flight standards director at EASA. “Airlines and their ground staff need to make sure passengers know how to travel with these items responsibly. This includes prompting them to think carefully about not packing the devices in their check-in baggage but carrying them on board instead, so that they can be monitored and dealt with if something happens.”
EASA stressed the safety risks associated with lithium batteries, noting that they can overheat, catch fire, and/or release toxic smoke.