Caught on Tape: Two Lithium Battery Fires in 2018

Posted on 3/5/2018 by Roger Marks

Two lithium battery fires have been caught on camera recently, as aviation regulators continue to work to prevent these incidents with guidance and regulatory requirements for passengers, crew, and shippers alike.

Battery Toasts TSA X-Ray Machine at Denver Airport

A lithium-ion battery used to power a “vape pen” caught fire in a TSA X-ray machine at the Denver International Airport on January 30.

According to investigators, a passenger disassembled the vape pen before placing it in his carry-on bag, leaving the lithium-ion battery exposed. Loose lithium-ion batteries can experience short circuits when they contact conductive metals in keys, coins, zippers, etc. When packed outside of equipment, lithium batteries must be protected against short circuit. Travelers can accomplish this by placing spare batteries in a plastic bag.

WATCH: Check Out Our 5 Lithium Battery Safety Tips on Youtube

Vape pens, now sold in endless varieties and under an astounding array of brand names and labels, may contain lithium batteries that do not meet UN specifications. What’s more, end users have been known to “customize” these devices with after-market modifications that may impact battery performance and safety.

Buying from trusted manufacturers is an advisable first step for consumers concerned about lithium battery safety in the home or workplace—but even that won’t prevent every incident.

Battery Power Bank Delays Flight to Shanghai

On February 25, a lithium battery power bank set aflame in the overhead compartment during boarding of a Shanghai-bound China Southern Airlines flight. Thankfully, the flight was still on the ground at the time, passengers disembarked from the plane, and no one was injured. The flight was delayed for three hours.<

191 Lithium Battery Aviation Incidents Since 1991

US FAA recently reported that as of January 24, 2018, nearly 191 air/airport incidents involving lithium batteries had been recorded since 1991. Add the two above (and any others you’ve seen since January 24) to get the up-to-date tally.

Shipping Lithium Battery Training (DOT, IATA, and IMDG)

Simplify the complex rules you must know to package, mark, label, and ship lithium batteries--big, small, or excepted; in equipment, with equipment, or by themselves; by ground, air, or vessel.

This lithium battery online course provides general awareness, security awareness, and function-specific training for managers and personnel who ship lithium batteries. Learn you need to know to certify compliance with 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code regulations for 2018. Don’t risk rejected shipment, civil penalties up to $78K, or a serious incident in transport. Get the training you need to ship lithium batteries with confidence

Plus, get the FREE Lithium Battery Safety Online Course to satisfy OSHA and DOT hazmat safety training standards.

Tags: DGR, hazmat shipping, IATA, lithium, lithium batteries

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.