http://phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/ ... cb7898RCRD
PHMSA 11-07
Friday, December 28, 2007
Contact: Patricia Klinger or Joe Delcambre
Tel.: (202) 366-4831
New US DOT Hazmat Safety Rule to Place Lithium Battery Limits in Carry-on Baggage on Passenger Aircraft Effective January 1, 2008
Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008 once new federal safety rules take effect. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.
Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries (see attached illustration), such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.
"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression system would not be capable of suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited in flight.
"This rule protects the passenger," said Lynne Osmus, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assistant administrator for security and hazardous materials. "It's one more step for safety. It's the right thing to do and the right time to do it."
In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the battery and airline industries, airline employee organizations, testing laboratories, and the emergency response communities to increase public awareness about battery-related risks and developments. These useful safety tips are highlighted at the public website:
http://safetravel.dot.gov.
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MORE rules to deal with as we prepare to head back to CR. I bought a digital camera for a friend in San Jose and bought a 12- or 24-pack of rechargeable Energizer AA's for it. I don't believe they're lithium (probably Nickel Cadmium or NiMH), but they might invite scrutiny. But what's worse is the 24 batteries I bought for the sex toy I picked up for the trip (eh, the price was $1 or $2 more for 24 as opposed to 12). These are normal, non-rechargeable AAA's that shouldn't be lithium. All of the batteries are still in the package. I'm just going to keep them in my checked luggage, and put my spare battery along with my battery in camera in my carry-on. I just hope I don't get shit and have to explain about the toys..
This brings up a question. I know some of you have said that you bring toys and gifts for the working ladies' K*ds when you visit Costa Rica. So do some of you have suitcases packed with K*ds' toys as well as adult stuff like condoms, lubes, and sex toys? I bought some Barbies and coloring books for my friend's daughter, but I also have the sex toys, huge box of condoms, and lubes and oils. Has anyone ever had to explain this to customs? I sure as hell don't want anyone thinking I'm going there to be with Ch*ldren, but it's so much cheaper to buy toys and other gifts in the US and bring them there rather than get gouged in a local store.
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