Final Rule: PHMSA Restricts E-Cigs on Airplanes

Posted on 5/19/2016 by Roger Marks

The US DOT posted a Final Rule to today’s Federal Register to prohibit electronic smoking devices (“vape pens,” e-cigs, e-hookahs, e-pipes, etc.) in checked baggage aboard an airplane. The Rule also prohibits charging e-cigs while on a plane. Electronic “smoking” or “vaping” devices will still be allowed in carry-on baggage. The Final Rule is consistent with an Interrim Final Rule (IFR) PHMSA posted back in October 2015.

The unique hazards of lithium batteries in air transport are well known and have been a central focus of hazardous materials rulemakings for years. In emergency incidents and testing by industry and the US DOT, lithium-ion batteries have shown the potential to enter “thermal runaway”—simply put, they get hotter and hotter until they get set on fire. The fires resulting from lithium battery incidents are so intense that they can overwhelm the fire suppression systems on airplanes, according to Boeing.

New IATA Lithium Battery Air Rules Now Mandatory

In a rare move this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) directly adopted new restrictions on lithium batteries shipped by air into the 57^th Edition Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Effective April 1, 2016, the new requirements reflected emergency provisions recommended by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization and included:

Restricting state-of-charge (SoC) for lithium-ion batteries shipped by air to 30%,
Setting strict limits on the number of packaged allowed per shipment, and
Prohibiting lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft.

On April 7, 2016, the US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a Safety Advisory Notice for individuals who prepare lithium battery shipments for transportation.

Subscribe to Lion News for the latest updates on lithium battery transport regulations for shipments in and out of the US.

Tags: batteries, lithium, new rules, US DOT

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

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

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 was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

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

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

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 excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

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.