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

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.