LITHIUM BATTERY FIRES


Worthy of special note is the preponderance of battery operated electronic devices on aircraft today and the risk this represents. Mobile phones, tablets, laptops etc., are all part of daily life. Unfortunately they also pose a potential danger in the cabin or flight deck of an aircraft.


The batteries are often manufactured in a sequence. This means several batteries actually power the unit. Once one “cell” fails, it super heats and causes the other cells to fail. When the batteries on these devices explode, they cause a condition known as Thermal Runaway.


Thermal Runaway


Also called Thermal Explosion, this condition is the result of an exothermic reaction with rapidly accelerating temperatures, resulting in an explosion. A laptop, for instance, going into thermal runaway will result in heat and smoke, followed by rapid expansion of flame and possible explosion. It is an incredibly dangerous situation. This condition would be exacerbated if the laptop is in a briefcase stored in the baggage compartment.


This reaction can be triggered by a short circuit, improper use, physical abuse, failure of protective systems, manufacturing defects, or extreme external heat. Remember, the device does not need to be plugged in for thermal runaway to occur!


Although still considered a relatively uncommon problem, the potential for a catastrophic situation has elevated this concern worldwide to the highest levels for all regulatory authorities.


What batteries can you carry? From FAA PACKSAFE - https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/ files/hazmat/packsafe/resources/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf


Lithium Battery Fires - What Can You Do? As a crewmember, your job includes:


• Raise your awareness level. Understand the risks involved and know where these devices are located on your aircraft, cabin, baggage compartment, flight deck etc.


• Prohibit loose, lithium batteries from being carried in baggage • Know the procedures for extinguishing and containing a lithium battery fire


Procedures: • Do NOT attempt to move the overheated device • Relocate PAX away from area • Notify the Flight Deck • Don Protective Gear (Smokehood/PBE and gloves) • Use Halon to extinguish and prevent spreading of flames


• Use water or other aqueous agent, to cool the device and prevent additional cells reaching runaway temperatures


• Follow with ongoing dousing with water or other aqueous agent • Avoid covering/smothering the device. This would more likely insulate and add heat to the cells. • When situation has resolved, consider placing device in containment bag and monitor.


7 Inflight Fire and Smoke


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