Lithium Batteries in Baggage, this is a possibility!

 Lithium Batteries in Baggage ...

Oh, it will be okay in there.... 

This is the result of a model Helicopter battery touching something metallic in a checked bag and shorting out.  A fire started, fortunately the bag was in a bag room and not in the belly of an aircraft.  

The reality is that these batteries are dangerous.  When you put an unprotected Lithium Battery in your bag, you take the chance of creating a serious incident.

Be smart and stow these batteries in your carry on bag, protected from coming into contact with anything metal.

Don't let this be your bag, on your flight, in a compartment no one can get into with a fire extinguisher.  Oh yeah, did I mention that the Halon systems in the aircraft holds are not completely effective?

US DOT Lithium Battery Harmonization (HM-224F) Final Rule

HM-224F Lithium Batteries

On August 6, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued the Final Rule on lithium batteries (HM-224F).  

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-08-06/pdf/2014-18146.pdf

There are many significant harmonizations in the final rule.  To quote the press release from the DOT, The final rule will:

• Enhance packaging and hazard communication requirements for lithium batteries transported by air; 
• Replace equivalent lithium content with Watt-hours for lithium ion cells and batteries; 
• Adopt separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries; 
• Revise provisions for the transport of small and medium lithium cells and batteries including cells and batteries packed with, or contained in, equipment; 
• Revise the requirements for the transport of lithium batteries for disposal or recycling; 
• Harmonize the provisions for the transport of low production and prototype lithium cells and batteries with the ICAO Technical Instructions and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code; 
• Adopt new provisions for the transport of damaged, defective, and recalled lithium batteries.