USPS Pub 52 revisions

https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-01346.pdf



The USPS will be harmonizing their Publication 52 to align with the Hazardous Materials Regulations.  This is actually a pretty big step, in the past, the USPS has been resistant in aligning its DG regs with the existing HMR.



Some of the highlights from the Federal Register are:

• Use of terminology describing lithium content with watt-hours for lithium-ion cells and batteries;
• Adoption of separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries;
• New requirements for the transport of small lithium cells and batteries contained in equipment; and
• New marking requirements and options for lithium batteries installed in equipment packaged with equipment and shipped without equipment.

The changes are planned to take effect on 02 March 2015.



There is a lot of good info in this bulletin.  If you move Mailable hazmat, you will want to take a look!

Chinese Government Takes Aim at E-Commerce Giant Alibaba - NYTimes.com

very interesting......



Chinese Government Takes Aim at E-Commerce Giant Alibaba - NYTimes.com



hmmm....

Kevlar could keep lithium-ion batteries from catching fire | PCWorld

A good article about battery technology.  They are testing the possibility of changing the membrane that separates the cathode and anode with a kevlar derivative, which is proving to be a safer option. The catch ... it is more expensive and the battery industry may not bite on it.
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"Over the years, millions of laptops and other gadgets from Dell, Lenovo, Sony and others have had to be recalled because of fire risk. In a handful of cases, smartphones and other devices have caught fire and exploded. And lithium-ion batteries caused problems in the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner."

Kevlar could keep lithium-ion batteries from catching fire | PCWorld:

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FAA warns e-cigarettes a fire danger in checked airline baggage - Business - The Boston Globe

Good article about the FAA SAfO concerning E-Cigarettes.



FAA warns e-cigarettes a fire danger in checked airline baggage - Business - The Boston Globe



The FAA action follows a Dec. 10 warning on e-cigarettes by the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization. Several incidents have been reported and the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel is considering possible action, according to its warning.



FAA Press Release:



http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=81445



SAfO 15003:



http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2015/SAFO15003.pdf

Another few E-Cig Fires in the news

Investigators: E-Cigarette Led to Fire in Sparks High Gym

Yet again, the problem of plugging in an e-cig to a non standard power source leads to a fire in Nevada (USA) at a High School gym.

These devices are safe, but you need to be sure that they are no modified, using only parts made for the model, approved chargers for the model and that you follow all the safety guidelines for the device.

In other news (UK):

"You might save a few pounds if you buy cheap or incompatible chargers but is it really worth putting your family or home at risk? If your e-cigarette doesn't come with a charger, please don't assume that your USB cables can be transferred between devices. Chargers for mobile phones are often more powerful, so can overheat."

Read more: http://www.courier.co.uk/x/story-25881573-detail/story.html#ixzz3PIQANXCW 
Follow us: @KSCourier on Twitter | kentandsussexcourier on Facebook


Suffolk Fire and Rescue were called to an incident on Monday 12th January to attend a fire involving a car in Ipswich.

On arrival they found that the fire had burnt itself out due to lack of oxygen in the car.  http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Suffolk/Sudbury/CO10/News/Local-News/283081-Car-Fire-in-Suffolk-caused-by-E-Cigarette-Charger

Not very smart: Man busted for smuggling 94 iPhones strapped to body - CNN.com

Keep your eyes open on those China Flights!

"Shenzhen customs officials disclosed that they have caught 18 mules strapping smuggled electronic products -- including 282 iPhones -- on their bodies since December."

Not very smart: Man busted for smuggling 94 iPhones strapped to body - CNN.com

We have had a few catches on flights going to Africa.  Once we caught 250 phones in a suitcase.

IATA DGR 56th Edition, Addendum #1

www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/dgr56-addendum1-en-20140108.pdf



IATA has released Addendum #1 to the 56th edition of the IATA DGR.

Battery technology: A whiff of brimstone | The Economist

Interesting article which describes the mechanics of Lithium Sulfur Batteries and how this new technology may be in out future.

Battery technology: A whiff of brimstone | The Economist

Lithium metal batteries banned as air cargo in Canada - Business - CBC News

Lithium Metal Batteries (UN3090)

"Canada has banned shipment of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger flights, following the lead of the International Civil Aviation Organization...Only batteries shipped separately as cargo are affected by the ban, not batteries already contained in or packed with equipment."

Lithium metal batteries banned as air cargo - Business - CBC News

VIDEO: E-cigarette charger causes fire | Staff Newsletter

Article and video showing an E-Cig Fire caused by overcharging / incorrect charger situation.

http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/VIDEO-E-cigarette-charger-causes/story-25797873-detail/story.html







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Game Boy with Lithium Batteries and USB | Hackaday

Game Boy with Lithium Batteries and USB | Hackaday:



Be on the look out for modified Personal Gaming Devices!   This looks like a trend and from the appearance, not a good one.



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