Committee on lithium battery air transport safety to meet in November

Washington — The Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee has scheduled a public meeting 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 said in a final rule published 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 meeting is set for 9 a.m. Eastern at Department of Transportation headquarters and will include a webcast and a remote participation option. 

The preliminary agenda includes:

• Discuss the effectiveness and the economic and social impacts of lithium battery transportation regulations.
• Provide the transportation secretary with information regarding new technologies and transportation safety practices.
• Provide a forum to discuss departmental activities related to lithium battery transportation safety.
• Advise and recommend activities to improve the global enforcement of U.S. regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions relevant to air transportation of lithium batteries, and the effectiveness of those regulations.
• Provide a forum for feedback on potential positions to be taken by the United States at international forums.
• Guide activities to increase awareness of relevant requirements.

A finalized agenda will be posted on the committee website at least 15 days in advance of the meeting. Comments are due Oct. 18.