By George Kerchner
Portable Rechargeable Battery Association
Background
In 1991, lithium-ion batteries did not even exist. By 2006, more than 2.2 billion lithium-ion cells were manufactured worldwide. These numbers are impressive. But why do battery-industry statistics matter to corporate travel departments and business travelers? The answer is simple: Every tool in the road warrior’s tool belt—the notebook computer, the cellular phones, Blackberries and Bluetooth technology—is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries fueled a consumer electronics revolution that has boosted corporate productivity and allowed the road warrior to conduct business anywhere and at any time. Like the attaché case or electronic ticketing, lithium-ion batteries are indispensable to the 21st century business traveler. As a result, corporate travel experts may want to monitor regulation of lithium-ion batteries that impact the business travel industry.
Recent Developments
On August 9, 2007, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued formal regulations that allow passengers to bring laptops, mobile phones, and cameras powered by lithium batteries aboard aircraft. Spare lithium-ion batteries are also permitted in carry-on luggage under the regulations, but PHMSA recommended that these batteries either be placed in plastic bags or that other steps be taken to prevent inadvertent shorting. The new rules prohibit spare lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. FAA enforces this rule and can levy fines against passengers failing to comply. The PHMSA provisions are consistent with international regulations.
Transportation Department officials have long emphasized that safety issues are paramount, but they also recognize that passengers—including business travelers—want to bring spare batteries and battery-powered equipment aboard aircraft. PRBA welcomed the final rule that addressed the key safety concerns of the industry and the public.
The Department of Transportation’s Safety Advisory
In late March 2007, DOT issued a safety advisory urging air travelers flying with lithium-ion batteries and laptops, cell phones, Blackberries and other portable electronic devices should take precautions to reduce the risk of an incident on aircraft. DOT urged airline passengers to follow several simple precautions in packing and handling both batteries and battery-powered equipment. PRBA strongly supports the DOT safety advisory and urges travelers—including business travelers—to embrace these DOT safety recommendations:
- Keep spare batteries in their original retail packaging.
- Keep loose batteries covered with insulating tape to protect them against contact with any metal objects.
- Place each battery in its own protective case and pack spare batteries only in carry-on baggage.
- Use only chargers designed for that battery.
- Purchase batteries only from a reputable source.
- Do not bring damaged or recalled batteries aboard the aircraft.
For more safety information, go to the DOT website: http://safetravel.dot.gov/.
Wide circulation of the DOT advisory is advisable and recommended. PRBA also endorses additional safety initiatives, such as signage in airport terminals reminding passengers of the necessary precautions that would help reduce the chance of any battery-related incident on the aircraft.
Conclusion
PRBA is heartened by recent DOT pronouncements concluding that if passengers take the proper precautions, it is safe to fly with batteries and the battery-powered products so necessary to business travelers. Lithium-ion battery technology is safe. The majority of lithium-ion cells are manufactured by reputable manufacturers that invest significantly to ensure their products meet the highest safety standards.
George Kerchner is executive director of the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA), a Washington, D.C trade group of more than 70 manufacturers of rechargeable batteries and portable electronic equipment, including mobile phones, notebook computers, power tools, MP3 players and PDAs. Mr. Kerchner is an expert on regulations and standards issues that affect the portable rechargeable battery industry.
Return to Connecting News September 2007