Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this publication is subject to constant review in the
light of changing government requirements and regulations. No subscriber or other reader should act
on the basis of any such information without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or
without taking appropriate professional advice. Although every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, the International Air Transport Association shall not be held responsible for any loss or
damage caused by errors, omissions, misprints or misinterpretation of the contents hereof.
Furthermore, the International Air Transport Association expressly disclaims any and all liability to
any person or entity, whether a purchaser of this publication or not, in respect of anything done or
omitted, and the consequences of anything done or omitted, by any such person or entity in reliance
on the contents of this publication.
International Air Transport Association. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, recast, reformatted or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior
written permission from: Senior Vice President, Safety and Flight Operations (SFO).
1. Awareness
2. Training
3. Regulatory oversight
4. Technology
5. Supply chain management
This is intended to be a living document, which will be updated as new material becomes available. There
will be updates from research in the industry, new mitigations from member airlines, best practices formulated
at workshops and seminars (hosted by IATA and others) and developing regulations and legislation. IATA
IDFS Cargo and SO&I Safety departments monitor the industry with regard to LI batteries and welcome
comments and suggestions for additional material from all stakeholders.
Comments, feedback, suggestions and requests for inclusion of new subject matter may be submitted to:
LI@IATA.org
This guide will be updated continually to reflect feedback from industry and regulators and as new information
becomes available.
Investigation Reports
The UAE GCAA has now released the final report of the accident investigation into the crash of the UPS B74F
at Dubai in September 2010.
IATA Lithium Batteries Best Practices Guide Edition 1
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The report is very comprehensive with a large number of findings and safety recommendations. The majority
of the recommendations are directed to FAA and EASA and relate to Class E cargo compartment fire
protection, ULD fire protection, aircraft systems and flight crew related improvements. The recommendations
start on page 197 of the report. The full report may be found here:
http://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?NewsID=368
Inflight Cargo Fire United Parcel Service Company Flight 1307, McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F, N748UP,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 7, 2006
http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2007/AAR0707.pdf
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/workgroups/Pages/dgttf.aspx
The IATA DGR helps industry prepare and document dangerous shipments. Recognized by the worlds
airlines for over 50 years, the DGR is the most complete, up-to-date, and user-friendly reference in the
industry. Here is a link to the products available on the IATA web site:
http://www.iata.org/publications/dgr/Pages/index.aspx
Dangerous goods are carried regularly and routinely by air all over the world. To ensure they do not put an
aircraft and its occupants at risk, there are international standards which each State (under the provisions of the
Chicago Convention) are required to introduce into national legislation. This system ensures governmental
control over the carriage of dangerous goods by air and gives world-wide harmonization of safety standards.
http://www.icao.int/safety/DangerousGoods/Pages/annex-18.aspx
Participating in the development of recommendations for amendments to the ICAO Technical Instructions
Document and ensuring their implementation into the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
Providing a forum allowing member airlines to exchange and develop information specific to the transport
of dangerous goods contained in company material
Implementing a strategy for effective dangerous goods training standards worldwide for operators, ground
handling agents (GHA) and freight forwarders
Promoting an open dialogue with civil aviation authorities and the shipping industry throughout the world,
to ensure safe and compliant operations
Developing checklists and other tools to be used in establishing "proof of compliance" checks for
dangerous goods safety standards
The DGB continues to have lithium battery safety as a standing work item. The provisions in the DGR with
respect to lithium batteries include some additional operational considerations based on DGB input. The DGR
requirements are enforced by the airlines at the point of cargo acceptance and are widely adopted by the entire
supply chain as the field guide for the transport of dangerous goods by air.
UN Committee of Experts
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.html
DG Advisory Council
http://www.dgac.org/
In drafting the new text, the DGP has tried to balance the needs of the various stakeholders: shippers,
operators, and regulators, without imposing undue requirements on any single party. The entire lithium battery
supply chain will need to be in accord for these changes to work effectively. This means considerable
collaboration between all stakeholders.
In order to significantly improve safety, IATA advocates enhanced outreach by regulatory authorities and
industry to manufacturers and shippers of lithium batteries and lithium battery powered equipment. This will
ensure that all parties are aware of the regulations applicable to the testing and transport of lithium batteries.
Regulatory authorities should also undertake more surveillance of shippers and, where necessary, appropriate
enforcement action.
The full report and a summary of the major changes can be found on ICAOs website:
http://www.icao.int/safety/DangerousGoods/Pages/Working-Group-of-the-Whole-on-Lithium-Batteries.aspx
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2010/S
AFO10017.pdf
All requirements contained in the ICAO Technical Instructions are incorporated into the IATA DGR. In
addition, the DGR contains specific airline operational requirements. The provisions of the DGR are actively
applied by IATA member airlines.
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/DGR54-Significant-Changes.pdf
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for complying with provisions applicable to the
transport by air of lithium batteries as set out in the DGR. Specifically the document provides information
on:
Definitions;
Classification (including classification flowcharts);
Transport Conditions
Exceptions;
Special Provisions;
Packaging provisions for lithium batteries;
Prohibitions;
Passenger Provisions; and
Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/Lithium-Battery-Guidance-2013-V1.1.pdf
PRBA stance
PRBA Urges PHMSA to Align U.S. Air Transport Rules for Lithium Batteries with Stricter International
Standards:
http://www.prba.org/general/prba-urges-phmsa-to-align-u-s-air-transport-rules-for-lithium-batteries-with-
stricter-international-standards-669/
3 July 2012
Hong Kong Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular DGAC 3/2012
8 February 2008
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, Dangerous Goods Office
12 February 2008
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Office of Security and
Hazardous Materials
17 April, 2008
International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA)
Methods to address improved fire detection and fire suppression for a main deck cargo compartment
(Class E cargo compartment)
Consideration on the use of fire containment covers (FCC) for cargo pallets
Consideration of fire suppression systems for installation in aircraft containers
In addition, further information on this subject may be found at the following links:
ISO/FDIS 14186: Air cargo -- Fire containment covers -- Design, performance and testing requirements:
http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=54485
http://www.pressroom.ups.com/Press+Releases/Current+Press+Releases/UPS+Pioneers+Aviation+Safety%2C
+Implements+New+Fire-Resistant+Shipping+Containers
Mail
In addition to changes to the regulations applicable to lithium batteries in cargo, the ICAO DGP agreed to a
request by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to allow Designated Postal Operators (DPO) to accept in air mail
packages containing small lithium batteries installed in equipment to expand on the very limited items of
dangerous goods permitted in international air mail. The DGP agreed to the UPU request subject to:
1. The addition of specific dangerous goods training provisions for employees of DPOs responsible for the
acceptance of mail and employees handling mail intended for air transport. The DPO dangerous goods
training programs are subject to review and approval by the civil aviation authority (CAA) of the
applicable State.
2. DPOs developing and implementing procedures for controlling the introduction of dangerous goods in
the mail. These procedures are also subject to review and approval by the CAA where the mail is
accepted.
3. DPOs wishing to permit the acceptance of packages containing small lithium batteries installed in
equipment must receive specific approval from their local National Aviation Authority.
To address the safety issues associated with dangerous goods in air mail, the IATA Air Mail Panel (AMP)
considers the specific requirements for acceptance and transport of air mail. The AMP also meets with the
UPU and nominated DPO at the IATA/UPU Contact Committee to address specific items of concern.
IATA continually works with the UPU and the ICAO DGP on the development of dangerous goods training
material for DPO employees. In addition, IATA works with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to enhance
awareness of the DPO on the risks associated with LI batteries in international air mail shipments, including
the development of standardized training materials for DPO employees.
Passenger notification
To address the requirements for spare lithium batteries carried by passengers in carry-on baggage, some
specific recommendations have been included in the DGR to alert airlines of the need to remind passengers
that items of carry-on baggage cannot be accommodated in the passenger cabin.
There are specific requirements in the DGR that airline booking and check-in websites must include provision
of information on dangerous goods which a passenger is forbidden to have in checked or carry-on baggage.
The website must require that the booking or check-in process cannot be completed until the passenger has
acknowledged that they have understood the restrictions on dangerous goods.
To address LI batteries in passenger baggage, IATA Cargo has developed a lithium battery passenger
pamphlet. This pamphlet is available for download and use at:
www.iata.org/lithiumbatteries
Checked baggage
Interesting information on cabin baggage from Cathay Pacific:
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/faq/baggage/lithium-batteries
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/helpingyoutravel/batteries#I
Travel advisory:
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/helpingyoutravel/traveladvisories?refID=fd7f216711249310VgnVCM1000
000ad21c39____
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/Documents/Guidance-on-Handling-Dangerous-Goods-Incidents-and-Lithium-
Battery-Fires-in-the-Passenger-Cabin.pdf
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/Documents/Guidance-on-Handling-Dangerous-Goods-Incidents-and-Lithium-
Battery-Fires-in-the-Passenger-Cabin.pdf
In case of a fire involving a portable electronic device in which a passenger or crew member sustains a burn, it
should be treated as a chemical burn. For more information please consult the IATA Medical Manual at the
following link:
www.iata.org/health
The following video by the US Federal Aviation Administration: Extinguishing In-Flight Laptop Computer
Fires may be considered for viewing during cabin crew training. It demonstrates a laptop battery fire and
resulting thermal runaway. Another video to consider for viewing during cabin crew training is Cabin Crew
Fire Fighting Training Video. Both are available for viewing at the following link:
http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/2007Conference/session_details.asp?sessionID=26
Electronic Cigarettes
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/Documents/Guidance-on-Handling-Dangerous-Goods-Incidents-and-
Lithium-Battery-Fires-in-the-Passenger-Cabin.pdf
Damaged lithium batteries may only be shipped as cargo under an exemption. An exemption is required from
the State of origin, State of destination, State of transit (as applicable) State of the operator, as well as the
States of over-flight. The device may be required to be classified as waste and additional regulations could
apply which would restrict international transport. In addition, it is recommended that the local Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) is must be advised of the incident as they might like to retrieve the article for investigation
purposes. The Airport Operator may already have procedures in place for the disposal of dangerous goods.
Note: Batteries should never be incinerated.
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/Pages/cabin-safety.aspx
There are numerous pieces of equipment in the flight deck that are powered by LI batteries. For example, LI
battery powered Electronic Flight Bag and emergency torches. In addition to this, the crew may have a number
of personal electronic devices. In the event of one of these pieces of equipment failing and causing a fire, there
are concerns surrounding the moving of the device to the cabin before it has been cooled with liquid. Some
aviation bodies recommend against doing this, due to concerns that it subjects crew to additional risk and the
likelihood of injury. The view is that while recognizing the reluctance to introduce liquid into the flight deck, a
fire is a greater emergency in a scenario involving a LI battery in the flight deck.
IATA Lithium Batteries Best Practices Guide Edition 1
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It may be that there is sufficient redundancy in aircraft systems to cope with loss of equipment due to liquid
spillage. Furthermore, critical electronics under the flight deck floor are shielded from leaking liquids.
However, if the LI battery fire is not cooled with water (or other suitable liquid), the fire will continue to
propagate. In addition, cabin crew (or indeed, flight crew) may be severely injured if trying to move a burning
LI battery without first dousing the flames and cooling it with water.
There appears to be a lack of legislation or procedures from aircraft manufacturers and legislative bodies and
this is probably due to the fact that this is an emerging threat. In the absence of other guidance, it is strongly
recommended that carriers develop their own set of protocols for dealing with a LI battery fire in the flight
deck. If the proposed procedure entails introducing water into the flight deck, it is advisable to consult with the
aircraft manufacturer. As all flight decks are equipped differently, these procedures should be designed to deal
with the threat in the most efficacious manner, pertinent to the layout of the flight deck and type of equipment
installed and carried.
OEM Information
The following Boeing Commercial Airplanes Aviation Policy Brief becomes effective January 1, 2014
In January 2010, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to update the existing 2009 rules on the air transport of lithium batteries. At the conclusion of the public
comment period DOT elected to follow existing ICAO guidance on the transport of lithium batteries.
Subsequently, Congress adopted amendment HR 658 to the FAA reauthorization bill, which requires that U.S.
regulations conform to ICAO standards with the exception that the existing DOT prohibition of lithium metal
batteries as cargo on passenger airplanes remains in effect. HR 658 was enacted on February 14, of 2012 as
part of the FAA Modernization & Reform Act.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr658
On January 1, 2013, changes to ICAOs rules associated with transporting lithium batteries by air came into
effect. These changes, intended to further enhance safe carriage, include required training for shippers;
compliance checks prior to loading and stowage of lithium batteries aboard airplanes; and pilot notification of
the presence, location, and quantity of most lithium battery shipments aboard the airplanes. Regulators are also
provided a more comprehensive framework for training, oversight and enforcement.
http://www.icao.int/safety/DangerousGoods/Pages/Working-Group-of-the-Whole-on-Lithium-Batteries.aspx
Additionally, ICAO Electronic Bulletin 2011/7 approved by the Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) has
emphasized more stringent packaging standards for Lithium batteries; requires enhanced hazard
communication on the presence of Lithium batteries in shipments, including CAUTION! on the shipping
label. It is now forbidden to transport by air damaged or defective lithium batteries. Reporting of all incidents
involving transport of lithium batteries to the appropriate national civil aviation authority is also required.
There is also a reminder to all member states to engage with the airline industry to promote this bulletin and
safety awareness.
On February 13, 2013, ICAO issued a fast track amendment to the technical instructions to rescind permission
allowing lithium ion airplane batteries up to 35kg to be shipped on passenger airplanes This amendment will
restrict air transport of lithium ion airplane batteries to cargo-only airplanes. The technical instructions which
had become effective on January 1, 2013 allowed airline operators the flexibility to transport lithium ion
airplane batteries on either passenger or cargo-only airplanes.
The US DOT published an NPRM on August 15, 2012 to formally harmonize the Hazardous Materials
Regulations (HMR) with the changes made to the ICAO Technical Instructions. The final rule is now adopted
with voluntary compliance beginning January 1, 2013 and required compliance of all US Airlines to begin
January 1, 2014.
In 2012 Boeing issued a Multi-Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0356-01B (dated 22 May 2012) to share
regulatory and guidance information for lithium battery cargo transport.
http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/systems/Nov12Meeting/Boeing-1112-LithiumBatteryCargoAwareness.pdf
http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/systems.asp
Portable Electronic Devices containing Lithium Metal or Lithium Ion Cells or Batteries
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100484
Passengers warned of lithium battery safety risk
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100547
Dangerous goods that may be carried by passengers and crew
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90372
Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) 10017 Risks in Transporting Lithium Batteries in Cargo by Aircraft
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2010/SAF
O10017.pdf
Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 09013 - Fighting Fires Caused By Lithium Type Batteries in Portable
Electronic Devices
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2009/SAF
O09013.pdf
BATTERIES & BATTERY-POWERED DEVICES Aviation Incidents Involving Smoke, Fire, Extreme Heat or
Explosion
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/aircarrier_info/media/Batte
ry_incident_chart.pdf
The following information expands upon SAFO 09013
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2009/SAF
O09013SUP.pdf
IATA
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Pages/index.aspx
http://www.iata.org/publications/tracker/may-2012/Pages/lithium-battery.aspx
http://www.iata.org/training/subject-areas/Pages/cargo.aspx
Guidance on Handling Dangerous Goods Incidents and Lithium Battery Fires in the Passenger Cabin
www.iata.org/cabin-safety
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents
Involving Dangerous Goods (Doc 9481 AN/926)
http://www.icao.int/safety/DangerousGoods/Working%20Group%20of%20the%20Whole%20on%20Li
thium%20Batteries201/DGPWGLB.1.WP.015.en.pdf
IATA Lithium Batteries Best Practices Guide Edition 1
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http://www.icao.int/Search/pages/Results.aspx?k=lithium%20battery
Skybrary
Transport Canada
Service Difficulty Alert - PROCEDURES FOR FIGHTING FIRES CAUSED BY LITHIUM TYPE
BATTERIES IN PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/certification/continuing-alert-2009-06-698.htm
UK CAA
FOD201030 (30/2010) THE CARRIAGE OF LITHIUM BATTERIES AS CARGO
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/FOD201030.pdf
Miscellaneous
IATA information on lithium batteries
http://www.iata.org/publications/tracker/may-2012/Pages/lithium-battery.aspx
IATA training
http://www.iata.org/training/subject-areas/Pages/cargo.aspx