Washington — The Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee has scheduled a public assembly for Nov. 2.
“The safe transport of lithium batteries by air has been an ongoing concern due to the unique challenges they pose to safety in the air transport environment,” the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration stated in a closing rule printed in December. “Unlike most other hazardous materials, lithium batteries have a dual hazard of chemical and electrical. This combination of hazards, when involved in a fire, has the potential to create a scenario that exceeds the fire suppression capability of an aircraft and lead to a catastrophic failure of the aircraft.”
The hybrid assembly is ready for 9 a.m. Eastern at Department of Transportation headquarters and can embrace a webcast and a distant participation choice.
The preliminary agenda contains:
- Discuss the effectiveness and the financial and social impacts of lithium battery transportation laws.
- Provide the transportation secretary with data concerning new applied sciences and transportation safety practices.
- Provide a discussion board to focus on departmental actions associated to lithium battery transportation safety.
- Advise and advocate actions to enhance the worldwide enforcement of U.S. laws and the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions related to air transportation of lithium batteries, and the effectiveness of these laws.
- Provide a discussion board for suggestions on potential positions to be taken by the United States at worldwide boards.
- Guide actions to improve consciousness of related necessities.
A finalized agenda can be posted on the committee web site at the very least 15 days in advance of the assembly. Comments are due Oct. 18.
