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

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

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

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

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

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

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Ace hazmat inspections. Protect personnel. Defend against civil and criminal penalties. How? See the self-audit "best practices" for hazardous materials shippers.

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.