Home Economy Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights now happen practically twice every week,...

Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights now happen practically twice every week, in line with new FAA information

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As thousands and thousands put together to fly for the vacations, the Federal Aviation Administration is warning vacationers a couple of hidden hazard of their baggage: lithium-ion batteries. Found in on a regular basis gadgets like laptops, tablets and even electrical toothbrushes, these batteries can catch fireplace in the event that they overheat or are broken.

Last July, panic erupted on an American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Miami after a laptop computer battery in a carry-on bag ignited.

“It was absolute chaos. It really felt like each man for themselves. And it was terrifying,” mentioned Shilpa Patel, a passenger on the flight. “I do not know if we will explode. All I do know is I must get out and I must survive.”

FAA information reveals that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring practically twice every week.

“Any fireplace at 30,000 toes is unacceptable,” mentioned David Wroth of UL Standards & Engagement, a security analysis group. 

A survey of greater than 800 flight attendants carried out by UL discovered that 87% are involved about lithium battery risks on airplanes, and greater than a 3rd consider airways ought to do extra to make sure passenger security. While the FAA requires airways to incorporate normal security data in preflight bulletins, these warnings usually do not handle the particular threat of battery fires.

“It’s a stability we in all probability must do a greater job hanging with the airways,” mentioned Ben Supko, who oversees hazardous supplies security for the FAA. “Passengers do not absolutely perceive how critical the chance is.”

Supko mentioned passengers want to watch gadgets throughout a flight and instantly notify the crew if a tool turns into heat, discolors, or bulges. Passengers are additionally warned to not pack lithium batteries in checked baggage, as fires within the cargo maintain are more durable to extinguish.

“When you do not know what is going on to occur, you act erratically,” mentioned Patel. “It prices us nothing simply to say, ‘Hey, the explanation why we’re so critical about it’s because it may very well be actually harmful. It might catch fireplace.'”

The UL survey additionally discovered that one in 4 passengers admits to packing lithium batteries of their checked luggage. It is a harmful follow for one purpose particularly: It could be even more durable to place out a fireplace within the aircraft’s cargo maintain.

CBS News contacted American Airlines concerning the incident on the San Francisco airport and potential updates to its security bulletins. The airline didn’t handle the query instantly however acknowledged that its flight attendants obtain thorough and ongoing coaching to deal with emergencies onboard.

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